What Works for Students of Color
This resource represents the collective wisdom of members of our Students of Color Subcommittee: a division of the Diversity and Equity Advisory. To add to this list, please email Eileen Yoshina, Director of Diversity and Equity, at [email protected].
what_works_for_students_of_color.pdf | |
File Size: | 293 kb |
File Type: |
"Are there any Africans in here?" Tips for helping students prepare for Intercultural experiences/assignments
The Diversity and Equity Center does want to be a resource for students interested in engaging in respectful intercultural dialogue. However, we've seen a rise in the number of well-intentioned students coming into the DEC seeking assistance with "intercultural observation/interview" assignments and practicing communication skills that are at best unhelpful and at worst detrimental to true understanding. Some examples include students:
For more information, see "Common Expressions of White Privilege and How to Counter Them" by Ilsa Govan and Dr. Caprice Hollins
The following tips were written by DEC students who have been on the receiving end of these interviews.
- Dropping in on meetings that are intended to provide some measure of safety for the members (such as the QSA) and taking notes, giving suggestions, or not explaining their intentions;
- Dropping by the DEC and asking awkward questions, such as, "Are there any Africans in here I can interview?"
- Questioning or rejecting specific identities: "Well, I was hoping to interview a Japanese person. I know a lot of Koreans already."
- Perpetuating stereotypes with their questions: "Isn't it true your culture values education and discipline?"
- Committing microaggressions: "When does the gay club meet?"
- Essentializing culture: "Tell me how people in your culture view time."
For more information, see "Common Expressions of White Privilege and How to Counter Them" by Ilsa Govan and Dr. Caprice Hollins
The following tips were written by DEC students who have been on the receiving end of these interviews.
tips_for_intercultural_observation_assignments.docx | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | docx |