Structural racism in the United States is the normalization and legitimization of an array of dynamics—historical, cultural, institutional, and interpersonal—that routinely advantage whites while producing cumulative and chronic adverse outcomes for people of color. It is a system of hierarchy and inequity, primarily characterized by white supremacy—the preferential treatment, privilege, and power for white people at the expense of other racially oppressed people. It is also important to recognize that racism is a global issue and continues to be perpetuated in societies across the globe and it manifests in many different ways at various levels. This anti-racism workshop in an abroad context aims to offer an entryway for students to engage in observing how racism plays out in different societies outside the United States, utilizing examples, particularly media representation, that may reflect deeper messages, and what it means to be anti-racist for American students who have been abroad, or may be visiting, studying, or traveling abroad.
This workshop will engage participants in the following activities:Better understanding of the phrase “anti-racism”Learning about race and its nuancesRecognizing how culture can shape the development of racism and power structuresSeeing how media around the world uphold oppression in different waysCreating action steps toward actively recognizing oppression abroadThis workshop is designed for U-M master's students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral scholars on all three campuses; therefore, only U-M graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are permitted to register for this workshop. While this workshop is being facilitated on behalf of Rackham’s DEI Certificate Program (DEICP), it is open to all U-M graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. For faculty and staff, please contact rackhampdeworkshops@umich.edu to ask if we can accommodate your attendance.