Pre Work

In preparing for our upcoming training, please read (we suggest printing and annotating!) and watch the following articles and TED Talk. Even if you have previously read or seen this information, please take the time to reconsider it in light of our work together at the Blanton. We also encourage you to prepare answers to the questions below to facilitate meaningful discussions in our time together.

1. America Wasn’t a Democracy Until Black Americans Made it One (Nikole Hannah-Jones article in NY Times 1619 Project, 2019)

·       Connect: How do the article’s ideas/content/info connect with what you already know?

·       Extend: How does this article add to/broaden your knowledge?

·       Challenge: How does this article challenge or raise questions about your understanding?

·       Why do you think this article has created such controversy?

2. Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack (Peggy McIntosh article, 1988) – we will be participating in an activity based on this article

·       Context: feminist criticism of patriarchy led to consideration of other forms of privilege/oppression that had not been questioned at this time

·       As you read, highlight/note/write statements that capture your attention, apply to you, or create questions for you. You might also consider which of the listed privileges DO NOT apply to you.

·       If you’d like to read a more “modern” iteration of the privileges (or lack of), check out this piece from The Anti-Racist Educator: The White Privilege Test.

3. The Danger of a Single Story (18:33 TED Talk by Chimamanda Adichie, 2009)

·       Describe an experience in which you have either believed a single story, or been affected by someone who believed a single story.

·       What is a single story that you have had to learn to reject?

·       What connections do you see between Adichie’s lecture and our work at the Blanton?

4. How do I ensure my language is inclusive? (Anti-Defamation League resource, 2013)

·       Is there any “tip” you find particularly helpful in reviewing your own use of language?

5. When It Comes to Bias, We Must Prioritize Impact Over Intent (Anti-Defamation League resource, 2022)

·       What is your biggest takeaway from the article?

·       What example from the article best illustrates for you the disconnect between intent and impact?

·       Which of the suggested strategies might you prioritize in your communication?