Exam 1: Section #1: Diversity & Social Identities

Question 1

What is the University Rationale for Diversity?

Answer 1

1) Diversity enhances the educational experience for us all

2) Diversity reality of 21st century

Question 2

What are the benefits of diversity in a workforce?

Answer 2

Can improve the bottom line

1) Diversity enhances creativity, innovation
2) Diversity groups are less prone to groupthink; more likely to question faulty assumptions

Question 3

Reading: Black Feminist. #1:How does Ross describe-call out culture?

Answer 3

Two components:
Public
Shame

Question 4

Reading: Black Feminist. What about Canceling culture?

Answer 4

Something does something that is out of the norm, removes people who we disagree with

Racist, homophobic topics, etc. Talk show hosts who are racist, or homophobic

Question 5

Reading: Black Feminist: Why does she believe call-out & cancel culture are toxic?

Answer 5

No chance for progress, people won’t talk about race, ethnicity talk. Lasting consequence

Question 6

Reading: Black Feminist: Does Ross believe calling out is ever justified?

Answer 6

The person is very provocative, someone in power, etc.

Question 7

Reading: Black Feminist:What does she offer as an alternative to call-out culture?

Answer 7

“Call in” Call out done with love. Rather than doing it public, speaking privately. If someone is using a negative racist term, pull that person aside and inform them not to use that term, not call them out in front of a bunch of people, publicly.
Don’t get it in a shameful way, but in a respectful way. Not getting in the drama of calling out.

Question 8

Reading: “A Confession of Liberal Intolerance”: What is the thesis/main argument of the Kristof piece?

Answer 8

Hard to be a conservative and work at a University. Liberal teachers are more accepted. And also not being very religious you succeed more at a university.

Question 9

Reading: “A Confession of Liberal Intolerance”: Do you think this claim is valid?

Answer 9

Yes.

Question 10

What is the definition of social identity?

Answer 10

Identity shaped by the society (or culture) that we live in.

Question 11

What are examples of social identity?

Answer 11

It includes our:

Gender
Sexual orientation
Race/Ethnicity
Socio-economic class
Nationality
Ability status
Religion

Question 12

What is privilege?

Answer 12

Social identities hold more privileged position

Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Sexual Orientation
Socio-Economic Class
Nationality
Ability Status
Religion
Age
To have privilege in one area, does not mean you are wholly privileged

Question 13

What is intersectionality?

Answer 13

As people, we each hold multiple social identities.
Intersectionality examines how these multiple social identities intersect and interact
First developed by women of color

Question 14

What is Michael Kimmel’s privilege of invisibility?

Answer 14

Dominant or privileged social identities are considered the standard

Privileged social identities are treated as universal, generic

Question 15

What are examples of the privilege of invisibility?

Answer 15

Gender: Serena Williams v.s. Lebron James

World Cup v.s. Women’s World Cup

March Madness: Final Four v.s. Women’s Final For

Male athletes the default, the norm: go unnamed, become invisible

Race:

Applies to people of color
White is often viewed as the default, the absence of race
Sexual orientation

Straight is considered the default
Ex: My co-worker vs. My gay co-worker

Question 16

What is Implicit Bias?

Answer 16

How society privileges certain social identities over others can lead to implicit bias
Absorb cultural messages about different groups, can lead to bias
Implicit bias is attitudes and stereotypes that operate on a subconscious level

Question 17

Reading: “Peculiar Benefits: Gay writes that one of the hardest things she has ever had to do is what?

Answer 17

To accept and acknowledge her privilege.

Question 18

Reading: “Peculiar Benefits: What does she identify as her privilege? What privilege does she lack?

Answer 18

Born into the middle class,specifically upper middle class, came from a loving environment, both parents married, good schools growing up, and received a great job after graduating.

Privilege lacks: She is a Child immigrant, Black, and women.

Question 19

Reading: “Peculiar Benefits: She discusses that people tend to resent being accused of having privilege. Why is this?

Answer 19

Not acknowledging it. “Life is hard for everyone” White Middle Class Males get heavily attacked for this, especially because they are considered the “norm.”

Question 20

Reading: “Peculiar Benefits: Instead of people becoming defensive about their privilege, what does she recommend that people do?

Answer 20

First step: Acknowledge and recognize you have privilege
Second step: Understand the extent of your privilege
Third Step: Consequences of your privilege, what does it mean to have it, and what it means for other people.
Fourth Step: Understand that you will never be able to understand other peoples privilege and their life.
Fifth Step: Use your privilege for good.

Question 21

Reading: “Peculiar Benefits: According to Gay, what is one thing you do not have to do as it relates to your privilege?

Answer 21

Not apologize or feel guilty for your privilege, however, acknowledge, recognize, understand the extent and consequences of your privilege.