White Fragility
|
Dr. Robin DiAngelo“I grew up poor and white. While my class oppression has been relatively visible to me, my race privilege has not. In my efforts to uncover how race has shaped my life, I have gained deeper insight by placing race in the center of my analysis and asking how each of my other group locations have socialized me to collude with racism. In so doing, I have been able to address in greater depth my multiple locations and how they function together to hold racism in place." (DiAngelo, 2006).
|
Watch . . . (Required)
Please click the button above and watch Dr. Robin DiAngelo speak about race and what underlies institutional racism.
This talk was given at the "Putting Race on the Table" conference. This talk is about one hour in length.
Takes notes on her Pier metaphor. Specifically,
This talk was given at the "Putting Race on the Table" conference. This talk is about one hour in length.
Takes notes on her Pier metaphor. Specifically,
- What is above the pier?
- What is below the pier (or under the surface)
Read . . . (Required)Read Dr. DiAngelo's paper titled White Fragility. This article will allow you to answer the question regarding white fragility. Simply click the button on the right, it will take you to the paper (16 pages).
PRINT (Required) the article and annotated as you read. Bring your annotated article to class. We will have a discussion in which I will be asking you to reference the article, as well as your own experiences.
|
Consider . . . (Required)
Consider the answers to the following question; be prepared to discuss your answers in class. You may see some or all of these questions on a pop quiz and/or exam. You DO NOT need to type these up for me. Scroll down to the "WRITE" section for the questions that must be typed up and submitted to through Canvas before class for class.
- What are some of the messages and ways people in the US receive and spread ideas about race?
- Why is it important to understand the difference among the following terms: racism, prejudice, and discrimination? How might understanding these differences better inform your thoughts and actions?
- Once we have been made conscious of what has always been all around us---the consistent re-enforcement of white superiority/privilege---what options can you generate in your life to challenge and dismantle this historical and dominate view system?
Write . . . (Required: submit through Canvas)
Please type up you answers to the following questions and submit them through Canvas by the due date. No more than 200 words (double spaced; 12 point font) of carefully culled information is typically sufficient.
- Define white fragility. You may write Dr. DiAngelo's definition and then explain it in your own words.
- Why do so many white people become uncomfortable when people of color share their experience or give feedback about their experiences of race in the US, according to Dr. DiAngelo? Use the pieces of the pier metaphor in your answer.
Prepare to Share . . .
Please THINK about the following (you DO NOT need to type this up; You may bring handwritten notes and your annotated article. Please come to class ready to discuss your answers):
- Looking back on conversations you have participated in on race and racism, share an examples of how white fragility impacted those conversations? If you feel that you have not witnessed white fragility please explain why you think this is so for you.
- Describe the event.
- How was white fragility handled?
- What might you do differently? Provide specific concrete suggestions for future encounters. What would you actually SAY or actually DO? Be SPECIFIC. This means: include dialogue and / or nonverbal behavior.
