ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

 

1. Story - "Liked for Myself," by Maya Angelou.

 

Before Reading: 

 

1. It is our human nature to make preconceived notions about people we encounter. Think about a time when you made a judgment about someone, but as time went on, your impression of them changed. What factors played a role in your changing opinions about them? 

 

2. Think about a time when you were younger and looked up to someone older. How would you describe them and what lessons did you learn from them? 

3. Think about the title of the text, "Liked for Myself". What kinds of things do we like for ourselves? As children, why do you think it is important for us to be liked by others? 

 

During Reading: 

 

1. As you read, pay close attention to the description that the author gives of Mrs. Flowers and the lessons she teaches.  

 

After Reading: 

 

1. What was Marguerite's first impression of Mrs. Flowers? How did she describe her? How did her impression change towards the end of the text? 

2. What was Mrs. Flowers trying to teach Marguerite about communication? 

3. What were Mrs. Flower's "lessons in living"? 

4. Why did this experience with Mrs. Flowers leave such an impact on Marguerite?


 

2. Story - "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," by Peggy McIntosh

 

Questions on the reading:

 

Before Reading:

 

1. How were you taught about racism and discrimination growing up? 

2. Examine how McIntosh defines white privilege. 

 

During Reading: 

 

1. Examine how McIntosh defines white privilege. 

2. Think about whether the information being presented is still relevant today. 

 

After Reading: 

 

1. Do you agree with McIntosh's description of "white privilege" and the "invisible knapsack"? Can this idea of an "invisible knapsack" be applied to other areas as well? Explain. 

2. McIntosh starts out with this idea of male privilege. Why is it important that she makes the comparison between male privilege and "white privilege"? Is there a difference? 

3. How do people of color feel about "white privilege"? 

4. Can you remove the "invisible knapsack"? Can you end "white privilege"? Why or why not? 

5. How can we discuss this view of racism in a positive way? 

6. What is the overall message that McIntosh is trying to convey?