student life in Beijing

IDENTITY & INCLUSION

Identities, Discrimination and Culture

Identity and forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism take different forms in different cultures. While abroad you may experience racism and discrimination in very different ways than you have experienced at home and this can often feel like the discrimination is worse than back home. Norms around gender and sexuality vary a lot from country to country. Sometimes the places with extreme differences (being a woman in Saudi Arabia) are easier to handle than more subtle differences (sexism in Italy). You may find that certain aspects of your identity become stronger while abroad (e.g. religious affiliation, national identity) while others may be diminished.

Before you go, research your destination!

What groups in the country have been discriminated against and how?
How are religion, social class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability are viewed in the local culture?
What is the country’s relationship with the United States (historically and today)?

Discussion Questions - Food for thought and discussion with your friends, family and classmates:

Different conceptions (or lack thereof) of political correctness
Who can share an example of a time when they felt they needed to “cover” or hide an aspect of their identity? Why?
What are your initial impressions of the host culture and where did these impressions come from?
How do you think you will be perceived by your host culture and why?
Discrimination and racism exist everywhere – what is your plan of action if you or one of your peers are faced with racism or discrimination?
What cultural norms exist in your community (dress, social norms, etc.) that may not exist in your host culture? How will you manage these differences?
What is discrimination? What is just curiosity?

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