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.