CEBW302 Critical Thinking

Introduction

Individuals belonging to marginalized, migrant and culturally or racially minor communities, are likely to experience a range of socio-economic differences, limited access to existing healthcare or essential services and discrimination as well as exploitation within mainstream society (Nash et al., 2018). The following paper will thus succinctly discuss the extent to which the ‘Courageous Conversations’ webinar series was successful in demonstrating the historical developments concerning public discourses of racism.

Discussion

Title of the Event/Activity

The event is a series of webinars organized by the University of Calgary, titled ‘Courageous Conversations’. It has been organized by Dr. Malinda Smith with the purpose of facilitating conversations and discussions concerning topics which are relevant to racially minor group such as equity, systemic racism, race and anti-racism. Each webinar under this series attempts to include speakers who have centered their actions on philanthropic actions and activities, mainly students, academics, activists and administrators within Canada as well as internationally. The primary principle underlying this event is to encourage both national, local as well as international conversations and sharing insights and perspectives pertaining to racism perpetrated towards culturally minor communities (University of Calgary, 2021).

Critical Review

Engagement Process

The purpose who is being engaged in the chosen ‘Courageous Conversations’ webinar series is Dr. Alana Lenton – an associated professor of the social and cultural analysis of the Western Sydney University and the author of the book ‘Why Race Still Matters’. The purpose of engaging Dr. Lenton, as mentioned previously, was to share her insights concerning not just racism but how public perceptions towards the same have changed through time. In doing so, Dr. Lenton specifically discussed contemporary issue such as race realism, white supremacy and reverse racism and how the same have contributed to a culture which has developed a stereotype that racism does not exist and that labelling someone a racist is considered more offensive as compared to being an actual victim of racism. In doing so, Lenton shared insights why every minority community has the right to have their concerns addressed since a lack of conversation or refusal to address racism, does nothing but only aggravate the issue. By taking insights for her book, Lentin thus engages herself on discussing the issue of systemic racism within the society by recommending the need to instil a culture of racial literacy within the community (University of Calgary, 2021).

Organizational Success

Thus, based on an examination of the given event, it can be implied that the University of Calgary, in is attempt to implement the ‘Courageous Conversations’ webinar series, was successful in fulfilling its overall target of encouraging renowned action oriented activities, to talk about existing issues of racism and minority discrimination across both national as well as international levels. However, in criticism, it is worthwhile to note that the organization in this event, were limited in its efforts to include the opinions of the public. For instance, it is worthwhile to note that only a single speaker was invited to the webinar – which demonstrates the possibility of bias and could have mitigated, had multiple activities and public speakers been included (University of Calgary, 2021; Toure & Dorsey, 2018).

Outcomes

Thus, upon critical evaluation, the University of Calgary’s ‘Courageous Conversations’ webinar series was successful in generating outcomes of improved literacy, understanding and discussion concerning contemporary issues of racism – such as race realism, white supremacy and reverse racism which have limited the rights of discriminated minority groups to raise their voice against racism. In doing so, the University of Calgary’s ‘Courageous Conversations’ webinar series event was particularly successful in shedding light regarding the importance of initiating and not restricting conversations about racism and the relevance of instilling a culture of racial literacy. Limitations were however observed in the event’s inclusion of only one speaker. This is because the inclusion of multiple speakers would have facilitated public opinion to a greater extent and thus limit the risk of bias in the speaker’s opinion (University of Calgary, 2021; Grayson, 2018).

Conclusion

Racism has continued to be persistent since historic times and encountered primarily by individuals belonging to minority communities. However, contemporary opinions often criticize those who raise concerns on labelling or criticizing anyone on racism. With this respect, this paper successfully explored the extent to which the University of Calgary’s Courageous Conversations’ webinar series was successful in highlighting the importance of still engaging in critical conversations of race. In conclusion, it can be implied that there is a need to instill skills of racial literacy within the greater community in order to ensure racial harmony across majority and minority groups.

References

Grayson, M. L. (2018). Teaching racial literacy: Reflective practices for critical writing. Rowman & Littlefield.

Nash, K., Howard, J., Miller, E., Boutte, G., Johnson, G., & Reid, L. (2018). Critical racial literacy in homes, schools, and communities: Propositions for early childhood contexts. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 19(3), 256-273.

Toure, J., & Dorsey, D. T. (2018). Stereotypes, images, and inclination to discriminatory action: The White racial frame in the practice of school leadership. Teachers College Record, 120(2), 1-38.

University of Calgary. (2021). Racist violence webinar. Retrieved 7 April 2021, from https://ucalgary.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion/education-and-training/racist-violence-webinar.

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