From Avatar to Liyarn Ngarn Utilising film as

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From Avatar to Liyarn Ngarn: Utilising film as a device in anti-racism education Dawn

From Avatar to Liyarn Ngarn: Utilising film as a device in anti-racism education Dawn Darlaston-Jones, Ph. D University of Notre Dame

Context �PS 225 Culture & Society �Required unit �Second semester, second year �Framework �Freirian

Context �PS 225 Culture & Society �Required unit �Second semester, second year �Framework �Freirian principles �Critical consciousness �Teaching as dialogue not monologue � Human Rights focus �Not about changing their views but asking why they hold them �Opens the door to alternate realities and other views

Issues �Discrimination occurs everywhere and can affect anyone �All ‘isms’ are harmful to society

Issues �Discrimination occurs everywhere and can affect anyone �All ‘isms’ are harmful to society �Human rights enshrines respect for diversity as an underlying tenet of social functioning �Respecting others does not diminish me or my way of living �Racism is an expression of power �Whiteness legitimises dominance

Process �Safety & Engagement �Film = vehicle for analysis �Encourages engagement but at ‘arms

Process �Safety & Engagement �Film = vehicle for analysis �Encourages engagement but at ‘arms length’ �Illustrates difficult concepts �Provides a voice to the ‘other’ �Encourages empathy �Choice and sequencing of films �Avatar, Freedom Writers, Stolen Eye, Why Me? , Liyarn Ngarn � Allows ‘space’ for reflection � Encourages development � Draws the audience into a different space

Teaching & Learning � Education as dialogue �Less formal ‘lecture’ �More conversation � Personal

Teaching & Learning � Education as dialogue �Less formal ‘lecture’ �More conversation � Personal reflection �Weekly journals � Promotes analysis of self � Mechanism for gauging understanding �Readings � Range of topics; gender, sexuality, ability, class, & race � Different perspectives � Explicitly confronting to force reactions � Critical essay �Controversial topics � Critical whiteness OR asylum seekers in Australia

Themes �“I see you” Avatar �“White people don’t see it” Freedom Writers �Mutual respect

Themes �“I see you” Avatar �“White people don’t see it” Freedom Writers �Mutual respect �Other peoples ways of living does not force me to change �Scope of justice �Identifying discourses of discrimination �Positioning self �Journey of change?

Outcomes �“I liked the class for its determination to make students think about their

Outcomes �“I liked the class for its determination to make students think about their entire backgrounds, of their lives, their motives and their beliefs” �“extremely insightful, confronting and informative – I have learnt a great deal and have enjoyed learning it all too” �“should be included in as many degree courses as possible” �Student evaluation: � 4. 26, (85. 6%); 4. 58, (95. 5%); 4. 61, (97. 8%)