​Social Justice: White Supremacy

Since no one is born a racist 
​and there is no
fetal predisposition to sexism,
one learns Othering
not by lecture or instruction
​but by example.
​- Toni Morrison
Big Questions:
  1. ​What is extremism?
  2. Can someone be lured into a hate group?
  3. Actions and consequences of hate groups.
  4. Are members of hate groups victims in need of deprogramming?
The assignments that have activities are in red.

How The Word Is Passed by Educator & Author, Clint Smith takes us on a tour of eight plantations in the United States and reveals the history that impacts and reveals our present day beliefs, opinions, and actions.

To understand the legacy of slavery, the symbolism of statues that are revered as sacred, and the emotional and psychological impact, How the Word Is Passed is a necessary read.
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Click on the image for a brief introduction
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Click on the image for book discussion questions.
Symbolism of Statues:   1. Click on the statue for video (27:21)  caution: some violence
Sources:
​NPR, The Harvard Gazette, Smithsonian 
​
Goal:
 To provide context and awareness regarding the removal of Confederate Statues. 
​2. Read the following 3 articles 
Activity:   Research the history of statues in other countries that create controversy.  Students can use the lesson of Philosophical Chairs under the Hate Speech assignment or Socratic Seminar to discuss the statues, why they are controversial, and  possible good solutions on how to appease those who like and those who oppose the statue and what it represents.

Propoganda * Disinformation * Misinformation

Watch the video: MEDIA LITERACY
Media skills crash course: Media Skills #10
The Dark(er) side of Media.
Activity:
​Bring in examples of propaganda, disinformation and/or misinformation from social media or the news. Explain how you know it is misleading - with an example of the truth or research from reputable sources.
Racist ideas love believers, not thinkers. 
Ibram X. Kendi, How to be an Antiracist
B​ig Questions: Cults 
Who do cults decide to target and how do they target recruits?
​ How can a person protect themselves from being a target? 
Goal: Awareness that various tactics and strategies are  being used to recruit people.
Activity: Make 3 columns - 3Ws
1. What do I know? 
2. What do I want to learn? 
3. What did I learn? 
Fill out the first two column before reading the articles and the 3rd column after reading it.
This can be done as a class or individually. 
Discuss what you learned and possible solutions.
Read the five brief articles in this box.
Sources: 1. American University, 2. & 3 ADL, 4. Psychology Today, 5. ADL
A Long Time Coming:  DHS Warning. 
U.S. Domestic Extremism Threats - NPR
Decoding the hate symbols seen at the Capitol insurrection - National Geographic ​
From Words to Actions​ 

Goal: 
Students will learn what the goal of some of the extremist groups are. Students will listen to former members, how they were recruited, what they did in the group and why they left. 
​
​Activity:
The concepts in extremism, what made the recruits vulnerable and how might they have avoided the ordeals. 
Escape from
​White Supremacy Groups
ABC News 8:47 
CBS News 2:33
Photo credit: Royalty free, 
© 2022 Romaine Washington