“ What did they just say!?” Strategies for Interrupting Oppressive Behavior and Language

1. “What did they just say!?”Strategies for Interrupting Oppressive Behavior and Language Presented by: Cobretti D. Williams, Coordinator of Integrity Formation Programs MJ Jones, Asst. Resident Director for Murphy Apartments & Chardin

2. Learning Outcomes • Revisit foundational social justice definitions and meanings • Identify barriers and motivations of interrupting oppressive language and behavior • Brainstorm and share experiences about interrupting oppression through the RA role • Brainstorm and share experiences about interrupting oppression outside of the RA role • Reflect on our own experiences with interrupting oppression • Apply prior knowledge and learning to complete a case study

3. Before we begin… • 100% competency is non-existent. • Dialogue, not lecture. • Use “I” Statements. • Assume positive intent. • Be cautious of triggers. • Be patient • Lean into the discomfort.

4. Key considerations… • Oppressive behavior is continuous in nature. • Communities of Practice have strong influence. • Cycle of Socialization (citation???) • Bystander Effect/Intervention • “You, me, and we”

5. Setting the Context –Revisiting Definitions: Microaggressions • Microaggressions are “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative (racial) slights and insults that potentially have harmful or unpleasant psychological impact on the target person or group.” (Solorzano, Ceja, & Yosso, 2000)

6. Setting the Context –Revisiting Definitions: Triggers

7. Setting the Context –Revisiting Definitions: Intent vs. Impact

8. Barriers to Interrupting Oppressive Behavior & Language • I don’t want to be labeled “too sensitive” or as having “no sense of humor” • I don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings – what if they didn’t mean it? • Low expectations – What’s the point? The other person probably won’t care, anyway! • No one else around me is intervening • Triggers – I’m going to say the wrong thing if I respond while I’m angry/upset

9. Where do we go from here?

10. Skills & Strategies • Speak from personal experience • Ask clarifying questions • Know your objective when interrupting • Don’t lecture, dialogue • Share new information & knowledge • Demonstrate patience

11. CASE STUDY

12. It’s not just reactive… What are some ways to be proactive about interrupting oppression? • Educational poster or bulletin board campaigns around identity topics • Attending on-campus events to begin or further your own awareness around oppression(i.e. the recent Campus Climate forums) • Social programs and dialogue circles (i.e. “coming out” panels; DCs around current events) • Becoming involved in the community outside of SU to help further educate self and others