"Take Aways"

         Knowing that the first semester of this graduate program is nearly over is a really strange feeling. On one hand, I totally welcome the break, and on the other, it’s bizarre acknowledging how quickly this semester has flown. Something that helps me to kind of “slow things down” in a way, is by taking time to identify my big “take aways” from the semester, and specifically this course. This way, I feel like I have something more tangible to hold on to, instead of blowing through life in the usual fast past that I move.

1.) Personal connections with other people lead to understanding & less judgment:

Digital Storytelling is an awesome example of this, but it can totally be brought out into the community. The brain makes unconscious snap judgments about others, and, like it or not, we are CONSTANT receivers of information, effecting our perceptions. After this course, this project, and my internship, I firmly believe that the best, least invasive way to open minds to those who are ‘different’ or ‘marginalized and forgotten’ is to create opportunities for personal connection (through audio, visual media or better yet, in person contact). When allowed connection with one identifiable individual, the stigma around an entire group is likely to lessen, slightly, hopefully.

2.) View EVERYTHING in life through a critical race lens.

Critical race understanding is not something that was new to me at the start of this course; however, only pulling that perspective out of my pocket sometimes (as I had been known to do prior to this course) is inexcusably lazy. This includes when I am looking at news articles, digesting stories that I hear on the radio, and in some ways, most importantly, realizing the huge omission of certain stories in the media versus others. I follow more news programs currently than I have in my entire life, and assessing/comparing the stories I hear in reference to potential racial biases (often through omission) has both been an infuriating and hugely eye opening process.

3.) Peaceful demonstrations (and macro social work practice) are the best peaceful avenue for change/

The idea that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” really holds true here. Feeling overwhelmed by injustice in this profession is inevitable, but by choosing certain issue areas of participating importance to us, and acting for change, there are things we can do! Being mindful of what we are hoping to change, and acting in a systematic way, there are things we can accomplish, if we act on a scale that is manageable, respectable, and driven.

4.) Intersectionality

This course was a great reminder that the combination of certain factors (race, gender, age, sexual orientation etc.) work together to unfortunately, marginalize certain people more than others, and in general race eclipses those other factors. This reminder has been huge in working with individuals in and out of my field placement. Above all, it is something I now recognize in working with people and trying to understand their stories and their realities. This process is totally ongoing, and of course, there are huge omissions on my part, but I am actively (trying) and noticing how the intersectionality of certain factors affects those I come into contact with. 

        

My brain has been reactivated in tackling this issues, ways of behaving, and understanding of others. This course was an excellent reminder that unless we are actively looking at things through a critical lens, (particularly as a white woman), our thoughts can become stagnant. It’s my responsibility to continue to follow and evaluate news stories, act in reference to issues I would like to see change, and identify the multiple factors that might influence others’ identity.