SESSION A:

Understand Identity and Racism

Identity

A social category defined by both personal affiliation and social membership1.
1 Source: Science Direct, Social Identity Theory, Confronting Prejudice and Discrimination, 2019
Play Video
“I was not Native enough… I was the white city girl.”
Naidene Baechler on Identity
Reflection Questions:
  • If Mat-Su was a person, how would you describe them? 
  • Why do you picture Mat-Su as the person you pictured? 

Racism

A set of societal, cultural and institutional beliefs and practices, regardless of intention, that oppress one race for the benefit of another2.

Individual Racism is the way in which we perpetuate racism on an individual basis2.

Systemic Racism is a system that continually advantages one racial group and systematically disadvantages another over time2.

2 Source: Western States Center’s Dismantling Racism: A Resource Book for Social Change Groups. Defining Racism Handout

Play Video
“The waitress came over and she looked over their heads and directly in my eyes, being the only pale face there…”
Rain Wade on Racism
Play Video
Reflection Questions:
  • What stood out for you? 
  • What is the difference between individual and systemic racism? 
  • How does systemic racism show up in your life? 
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