Restoring the Beloved Community: A Conversation About Race (Session 1 Resources)
Session One Resources
Watch Race: The Power of an Illusion (Documentary)
The division of the world's peoples into distinct groups - "red," "black," "white" or "yellow" peoples - has become so deeply embedded in our psyches, so widely accepted, many would promptly dismiss as crazy any suggestion of its falsity. Yet, that's exactly what this provocative series by California Newsreel claims.
Race - The Power of an Illusion questions the very idea of race as biology, suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth.
Yet race still matters. Just because race doesn't exist in biology doesn't mean it isn't very real, helping shape life chances and opportunities.
For Session One, please watch Episode One: The Difference Between Us
The episode can be rented for 2.99 on Vimeo by clicking here.
There are three total episodes, but we will be watching them in future meetings.
You can find companion materials for the documentary series here.
Read at Least One of the Following Books
If you only read one, please watch the video or listen to the interview of the one you do not read.
White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White
Daniel Hill will never forget the day he heard these words: "Daniel, you may be white, but don't let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes in contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea for you to learn about your culture." Confused and unsettled by this encounter, Hill began a journey of understanding his own white identity. Today he is an active participant in addressing and confronting racial and systemic injustices. And in this compelling and timely book, he shows you the seven stages to expect on your own path to cultural awakening. It's crucial to understand both personal and social realities in the areas of race, culture, and identity. This book will give you a new perspective on being white and also empower you to be an agent of reconciliation in our increasingly diverse and divided world.
Here is a video interview with the author.
Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do
Claude M. Steele, who has been called “one of the few great social psychologists,” offers a vivid first-person account of the research that supports his groundbreaking conclusions on stereotypes and identity. He sheds new light on American social phenomena from racial and gender gaps in test scores to the belief in the superior athletic prowess of black men and lays out a plan for mitigating these “stereotype threats” and reshaping American identities.
Here is an audio interview with the author.
If you have any questions about the above resources or need the church to purchase them for you, please contact Brian.