In this unit, students will discuss how the American experience is shaped by how individuals' social identities are perceived and treated within the dominant culture. Students will read and discuss others' perspectives on identity and race in the United States and write about their own perspective on identity and race based on learning. As a community of learners, we will work to understand that learning about Americans' diverse experiences helps us better understand ourselves and empathize with others.
Why would a school ban this book? How does the fact that schools have banned the book make you feel about reading it?
What does the term “normal” mean to you? Are there times you feel like you are not normal? Are there times when you feel normal?
Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. In this clip from her TED talk, novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding and misinterpret what it means to be "normal."
Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw defines Intersectionality and the overlapping of a number of social justice problems.
"Understanding Race" is a project of the American Anthropological Association and others to explain differences among people and reveal the "reality and unreality of race." According to the project, "the story of race is complex and may challenge how we think about race and human variation, about the differences and similarities among people." Click the logo below to link to their "History" page.
In a video from the NY Times "Hyphen Nation" series, Sierra Wingate-Bey discusses her experience of being excluded from others' perception of who qualifies as "American."
Safia - Fargo, North Dakota: Link to the video and writing prompt here.
Race: The Power of an Illusion
The video below, "How America Invented Race: The History of White People in America," was published on the World Channel in 2021.
Who, Me? Biased? - a video from the New York Times
A Conversation About Growing Up Black - a video by Joe Brewster and Perri Peltz
After watching the video, respond to the following prompts. Go back into the video to find specific references to help explain each of your responses.
What moments in this film stood out for you? Why?
Were there any surprises? Anything that challenged what you know — or thought you knew?
What messages, emotions or ideas will you take away from this film? Why?
What questions do you still have?
A Conversation with White People on Race - a video by Michele Stephenson and Blair Foster
The links below connect to stories from the book Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, and Identity, by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi. Check out the stories of various contributors, or peruse the hardcover book in your ELA teacher's classroom.
Light for the World to See by 
Not My Idea by 
Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter by 
Perfectly Imperfect Stories by 
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by 
Ghost Boys by 
Other Words for Home by 
The Marrow Thieves by 
Learning for Justice's podcast, Teaching Hard History, features episodes that challenge us to reconsider our perspective on many aspects and eras of our nation's history. This episode, "Medial Racism: A Legacy of Malpractice," explores how African-Americans were historically exploited by the medical system.
The Code Switch podcast from NPR puts "Race. In your face." In this first episode, "Can We Talk About Whiteness?" host Gene Demby tries to work out how to talk about this slippery and elusive concept.
This podcast, hosted by the author of the book Stamped From the Beginning, "imagines what an antiracist society might look like and how we all can play an active role in building one."
Conversations about gender identity are happening in homes and hospitals, therapy offices and classrooms. This podcast invites you to bear witness to how gender identity impacts children and families.
