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Sherlene Stevens: Flexible Racial Setting Activities

Do you know how to participate at a function when there are other racial identities--and your, you know, the only one?

Now What

  1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, while participating in the given function. Do you have a cell phone? Did you tell someone where you were going? This may be an inappropriate environment to drink: stay alert of your own gestures and actions.
  2. If someone extends a hand for a handshake or hug don't wipe your hands in front of the person, etc. 
  3. Don't assume that you know everything of the culture and social attitudes of the other race in the setting.  Avoid repeating their words to others that you hear in the setting.
  4. If you don't know something about the setting's activities, ask someone: "What --?" "So what--?" and "Now what?"
  5. "Absorb from others without trying to become somebody else." -Chuck L. (Oct. 2015)
  6. If you are to select the fine-art activities, find out what your audience would like or the current trend. Wait to be invited to dance to familiarize with such actions.
  7. Take mental notes to review for the next time that you are in such racial-group setting.
  8. You are not required to invite them to your next function, or give to their charities of interest.

Activity
Diversity Butterfly   <---- Click here.
Use fine-art tools or materials to create a beautiful butterfly. For February, Black History Month, try to use skin-tone shades of people of color. We will repeat such activity for my hosted theme of White History Month (March, yearly).