Discuss a time when you may have had difficulty discussing an issue related to oppression, privilege, or intersectionality due to struggles with using the terminology. In this situation, what sort of uncertainty or struggle did you face?

Select one of the discussion prompts below and respond to it with an initial post by Day #4 of the unit week. Your initial post needs to thoroughly address all parts of the selected prompt and be supported by at least one scholarly source. Then, respond to at least two threads on two additional days to drive the weekly discussions. All posts must demonstrate critical thinking and effective written communication including proper spelling, grammar, professional language, and APA formatting of references and in-text citations. All posts must also be submitted no later than the last day of the unit week.
Discussion
1
Discuss a time when you may have had difficulty discussing an issue related to oppression, privilege, or intersectionality due to struggles with using the terminology. In this situation, what sort of uncertainty or struggle did you face? What was the outcome? What did you learn during this unit that can help you overcome the struggle with discussing the issue?
(USLO 2.1)
2
Please watch the following video that is comprised of several short clips demonstrating stereotypes, microaggressions, and instances of prejudice and discrimination: “Power of One” (Thomas, 2007).
After you’ve watched the short video, answer the following questions:
Have you or someone you have known ever experienced or witnessed similar instances of what happened in the clips?
How did it feel to witness someone else act against the instances of prejudice and discrimination?
Do you think you could combat these prejudices, microaggressions, and stereotypes as the people did in the clips? Would you feel comfortable doing this with a family member? A friend? What if you heard an older person make a stereotypical or prejudiced statement?
What advice would you give to someone who has experienced stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice?
(USLO 2.3)
4
What does it mean to be an “American?” Is there an overriding definition of what it means to be an American? How would we encompass the multitude number of races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, and various more identities into one single national identity? Is that even possible? What is the danger behind pushing for a single “story?” Reflect on these questions critically in your answer.
(USLO 2.4)
5
Discuss the privileges ‘natural’ born U.S. citizens enjoy that people with different immigrant and migrant identities do not. What institutional or systemic factors give rise to nationalism for in-groups and oppression of the non-citizen groups?
(USLO 2.6)
6
Immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers belong to various race, gender, age, religion, and more identities. How does the intersectionality of multiple identities affect these non-citizen groups? Provide a couple of examples and discuss ways to mitigate the detrimental effects and trauma these groups face in the host country.
(USLO 2.4)
7
In recent times, there is a growing fear of diversability regarding people with immigrant identities. Historically, the U.S. is a nation formed with groups of people who fled their countries due to various threats to their lives and safety. Then, on what basis is the current fear of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, justified? How would you change the narrative to mitigate such fears?
(USLO 2.5)
8
Despite the immigrant, migrant, and undocumented workers’ contributions to the U.S. economy, the groups experience various socio-economic, political, and legal barriers to inclusion. Why is immigrant inclusion vital to a nation? What are the critical challenges to inclusive practices for these groups? And as a society, what can we do to ensure equitable access to resources for the immigrant groups?
ANSWER
Discussion Prompt 2
Have you or someone you have known ever experienced or witnessed similar instances of what happened in the clips?
Yes, I have witnessed similar instances of prejudice and discrimination in my own life. For example, I was once in a class where a student made a racist joke about another student. The teacher did not say anything, which made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
I have also heard older people make stereotypical and prejudiced statements. For example, my grandfather once told me that he didn’t trust Muslims because they were all terrorists. I was shocked and saddened by his statement, but I didn’t know how to respond.
How did it feel to witness someone else act against the instances of prejudice and discrimination?
It felt empowering to see people stand up against prejudice and discrimination in the clips. It gave me hope that there are people in the world who are willing to speak out against injustice.
Do you think you could combat these prejudices, microaggressions, and stereotypes as the people did in the clips? Would you feel comfortable doing this with a family member? A friend? What if you heard an older person make a stereotypical or prejudiced statement?
I think I could try to combat these prejudices, microaggressions, and stereotypes as the people did in the clips. I would feel more comfortable doing this with a friend or another person I knew would support me. If I heard an older person make a stereotypical or prejudiced statement, I would try to educate them about the harm of their words.
What advice would you give to someone who has experienced stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice?
I would advise someone who has experienced stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice to know that they are not alone. There are people who care about them and want to help. I would also encourage them to reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist.
Scholarship:
Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation by Derald Wing Sue (2010)
This book provides a comprehensive overview of microaggressions, including definitions, examples, and their impact on individuals and society.