How Were you Raced? (Exercises)

Question 1:

When were you first made aware of your race?

Exercise:

Go to a heavily populated public space. For 15-20 minutes observe the people walking by. Pay close attention to their similarities and differences.  If someone comes near you start a conversation with them. Journal about this experience.

Scripture:

“ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,”  Rev. 7:9

Question 2:

Who or what helped shaped your racial identity?  What were you taught?

Exercise A:

Visit the year of your birth. Research the major headlines & television shows of that year.  What did you notice concerning your race and others races?

Exercise B:

Ask a relative about their views/opinions on the race you identify as.

Scripture: 

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”   Psalm 139:14

Question 3:

Who or what helped you to learn about other races? What were you taught?

Exercise A:

Interview one relative about their views of other races.

Exercise B:

Write a short story or poem about one of your first experiences with someone racially different than yourself.      

Scripture:

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Gal: 3:26-28 26