Facilitated discussion of the film includes questions that focus the information presented in the film specifically on the workplace. The video focuses on the way systemic racism functions in our society, especially on institutional and cultural levels. The discussion that follows invites participants to develop a common analysis of racism and to shape strategies for additional anti-racism learning and action. Word Meanings Across Cultures Words have different psychological meanings in different cultures and we must overcome our ethnocentric bias when speaking to someone of a different culture. In this workshop we disabuse ourselves of the notion that if we say something that makes good sense to us, it should make sense to everyone else.
Participants listen to a story which involves characters with strongly held values and attitudes.
Afterward, the group is asked to reach a consensus about who is at fault in the story. This activity demonstrates how bias, personal experience, values and attitudes can lead to poor listening, distorted perceptions and create barriers to objective decision making. Group discussion will center around the five modes measured by the instrument and when each of those modes might be the most useful response to conflict. Implications for how we respond to conflict in the workplace will also be discussed. Using case studies, small groups will discuss conflict situations and what they think is the best way to respond.