Dismantling Oppression - Respect Equality and Inclusion.

This workshop will begin a conversation toward shifting the existing oppression paradigms by challenging the accepted and practiced narratives and practicing self-determination regarding our cultural identities, diversity, equality, as well as intra- and intergroup interaction.  Education as the practice of freedom (Friere,1970) refers to the awakening of critical consciousness, as education is historically the instrument of oppression. While cultural synthesis reflects the value of preservation, that action protects and preserves what oppressors would rather remain invisible. The lack of attention to any manifestation of oppression, however, results in our ignorance of the resulting problems and frees us from taking any responsibility. Ignorance of the problem does not make it go away.  We endeavor to explore ways to release from pretense by embracing our individual biases, sense of power and exercise of privilege. We will promote practices ideologies that support polyculturalism – an institution that emphasizes deep relationships and mutual experiences/influence among members of marginalized groups and between marginalized groups.  During this discussion, we will expose and examine ways to challenge the dominant culture view by becoming mindful of how we perceive and exercise power and privilege.