Getting Ready to Go!

Our Global Search for Justice (GSJ) course is focused on dismantling racism. In our pursuit of understanding how to dismantle racism, we must first come to a greater understanding of what is race? what is racism? what are the roots of our conceptions of race?  The pre-travel work is all aimed at challenging misconceptions about race and introducing some history about the concept of race.  Hard to fit it all in, between the end of the fall semester and leaving on January 2nd, but well worth it.  The goal is to enter the experience of being in South Africa and Namibia with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of race and racism. 

Understanding both the individual and the systemic nature of racism is critical to dismantling it, as is grasping the concept of unearned privilege.  We will explore these concepts - individual racism, institutionalized racism, white privilege - through readings, speakers, museum exhibits, and our direct observations as we travel in South Africa and Namibia.  As a society, we need to change not only hearts and minds but systems of privilege and institutionalized racism.  Apartheid in South Africa and Namibia and the Jim Crow laws in the U.S. are extreme examples of institutionalized racism; by exploring apartheid, the resistance to apartheid, and the legacies of apartheid in depth, we will gain insights into how to move toward a future with less oppressive systems.  As is often said, "There is no justice without action" and thus our focus on what it takes to actively dismantle racism. 

We'll also have the opportunity to be in summer in January, eat different foods, see beautiful (but dry) country, and meet amazing people. As in any cross-cultural experience we will undoubtedly learn more about ourselves and our own cultures than those that we visit. 

We welcome you to follow us on our journey.
Martha Phillips and Donna Hauer, GSJ Instructors