Category Archives: Reflections

Today we had an incredible visit with Georgette Norman (above with students), director of the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in Montgomery, AL. Ms. Norman spoke with us about the ways in which we “other” people who are different from us. After meeting with Ms. Norman and touring the museum, the girls reflected on their experience:

Reflection by Luiza: I have seen lots of privilege in my life that I never noticed before I read an article in class about the “Invisible Knapsack.” The invisible knapsack was a list of things involving white privileges. Things like being able to find a band-aid in your skin tone. The color of paint used for the skin tone of white people is actually called “skin tone.” And even dolls: most dolls are white, like Barbie and such. I never noticed that until I read that article.

Reflection by Abby: Ms. Norman was describing the line that divides “superior” and “inferior.” To be above the line you have to be tall, skinny, smart and rich to succeed. The media, especially, portrays that “You will not do well in life if you don’t look and act like this.” This is the message we’re getting.

People act this way against others who are the opposite because they themselves are insecure and have a need for power… Overall, my takeaway from that discussion was that people who are racist or prejudiced are the ones that are really hating themselves and are really insecure.

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