Suggested Readings: Diversity

During December 4th's daytime #sachat on reactions/feelings following the lack of indictments in the murders by police of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, some participants in the chat indicated a reticence to engage, because they feel unprepared and uneducated. To that type of statement, I suggested people start reading. From that suggestion came requests for suggested readings. So, here you go.

General

Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (published by Routledge)

http://www.routledge.com/cw/readingsfordiversity/ (I am using resources from this site in a diversity course in the Spring)

Privilege
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack by Peggy McIntosh
https://www.isr.umich.edu/home/diversity/resources/white-privilege.pdf 


Two categories, and only one reading per category? Well, sort of. I want to offer suggested starting points, and not overwhelm anyone. The Routledge book is a compendium of (mostly) abridged readings, complete with questions for reflection and discussion, on a vast array of topics. I used this text when I was a doctoral student, and draw from it in my own teaching, 7+ years later. You can probably find it in your institution's library. If you'd like to buy it, you can find used past editions relatively inexpensively online.

For my White collegues who struggle with feeling ill-prepared to engage in dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion, Peggy McIntosh's essay is the quintessential starting place. There are some things you might feel while reading her essay: discomfort; guilt; burden. This is why I offered during #sachat on December 4 to chat with folks as you read and process. We talk about privilege as though everyone should be able to recognize it then instantly know how to engage in dismantling it (or at least supporting members of historically underrepresented and oppressed groups).

It's a learning process that may come quickly for some, less quickly for others. But, if you're willing to immerse yourself in the process, and be vulnerable, you're making a great start.

I will be sharing more suggested readings related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, based in large part on my interactions with you. So, please, reach out to me. Let's engage in dialogue.

Why I Haven't Been Blogging

I haven't written a blog post in over 6 months. Yes, I've been busy with selling/buying houses, moving, starting a new job, etc. But the real reason I haven't blogged since March 2014 is that I started to feel narcissism setting in with each new post. I would check the stats, share the news of my new post on Twitter multiple times, and basically beg for readers. Low numbers for one post would spur me to attempt to outdo that post, hoping for increased readership. The truth is, I was seeking validation through the number of people who at least clicked the link to a blog post.

Moving to Murray State University has been a much needed change, both personally and professionally. I previously did not work in a positive or supportive environment (possible link to seeking external validation), and have now found a work environment that is positive, supportive, and nurturing. I now work in a place where my past experiences in academe are valued. Now, I find validation in my daily work and interactions with colleagues, many of whom are quickly becoming friends.

I'm not too busy to blog, but I am too content to use blogging as a vehicle to seek external validation. As I have ideas or reactions to share beyond 140 characters, I'll do so via blog posts, but don't expect any regularity to my blogging. I'm getting back to writing daily (well, during the work week), but that daily writing is now geared toward publication, not blogging.

Don't get me wrong, I think blogging can be great. There are some folks whose blogs I really enjoy. But for me, blogging isn't the ideal medium. I got caught up in attempting to present myself as a brand, rather than focusing on sharing ideas.