The Benefits of Being White Exercise
by Paul Kivel Tell the group that you are going to read a series of statements and that each white people to whom a statement applies should stand up after that statement is read. Tell the group that all the white people are being asked to participate, and people of color are being asked to observe. Those who are physically unable to stand may raise their hand to indicate that they are part of the group standing. Each participant should decide for themselves whether the statement applies to them or not. If they are unwilling to stand for a particular statement that applies to them they may pass for that statement but should notice any feelings they have about...
The Benefits of Being Male Exercise
by Paul Kivel Please stand up (or if unable to stand, indicate in some way) if: 1. Your forefathers, including your father had more opportunities to advance themselves economically than your foremothers. 2. Your father had more educational opportunities than your mother. 3. The boys in your extended family, including yourself had more financial resources, emotional support or encouragement for pursuing academic, work or career goals than the girls. 4. You live in or went to a school district where the textbooks and other classroom materials reflected men as normal, heroes and builders of the United States, and there was little mention of the contributions of women to our society. 5. You attend or attended a school where boys...
Liberation
“I have come to see that violence against other living things is oppression, just as I have come to see that oppression is violence”. Oppression Oppression is when anyone regardless of their race, gender, class, age etc imposes their will against another through acts that are harmful–physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. This also plays out at a societal level where institutions use their power to exploit, deceive, enslave or imprison. To me all of these are an abuse of power. Recognizing our own oppressive behaviors and the oppressive behaviors in our community institutions is an important first step in developing into healthy, freer individuals and communities. Developing practices that liberate can build strong and powerful communities. Working toward the...
Anti-Oppression Resources & Exercises...
Articles & Tips Anti-Oppression Principles and Practices White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, by PeggyMcIntosh A Community Builders Toolkit: Tools for Creating Healthy, Productive Interracial/Multicultural Communities, 40 pages Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture, by Tema Okun Understanding White Supremacy, by Frances E. Kendall Tools for White Guys who are Working for Social Change… and Other People Socialized in a Society Based on Domination, by Chris Crass The Role of White People in Ending Racism White Protesters, Black Cops: A Reality Check from Training for Change, by Barbara Smith Healing from the Effects of Internalized Oppression, from the Community Tool Box To Equalize Power Among Us – tips for keeping your privilege in check from Tools for Change Creating...