Intersection of I
The Whiteness Project’s latest installment, “Intersection of I,” is a collection of 23 one-minute videos in which white millennials in Dallas, Texas, discuss how they perceive, value and engage with their whiteness. The diversity of voices presented in these videos shuts down the misconception that white people are a monolithic group (a misconception that plagues most racial groups), and offers great fodder for classroom discussion. Participants share a wide range of perspectives on race, history, privilege, religion and more, highlighting each person’s intersectional identities and including some biased views that educators would do well to raise with students. (1 min. each)
high school
The Mask You Live In
The Mask You Live In explores the damage that rigid definitions of maleness can inflict on boys and young men. In this documentary, writer, director and producer Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasizes how expecting boys and men to be “tough” not only wreaks emotional havoc on them, but can actually perpetuate oppression against girls and women. Multiple speakers in the film address the desperate need for a new narrative, one that counters the damaging messages boys hear from their families, classmates and the media about what it means to be male. The Mask You Live In also highlights the importance of male role models who live the message, “There’s more than one way to be a man.” (90 min.)
high school and professional development
Humanizing America
Humanizing America, a series of documentary shorts by the Futuro Media Group, “investigates how the nation’s changing demographics are impacting the 2016 election.” Hosted by journalist Maria Hinojosa, this series spotlights people from diverse identities, experiences and perspectives: a mixed-status Asian family, a senior community activist, an American-Muslim organizer and more. In the classroom, viewing Humanizing America episodes can foster engagement and learning about the 2016 election and electorate. (5 min. each)
middle and high school
Want more election coverage from Maria Hinojosa?
Be sure to check out the America by the Numbers with Maria Hinojosa election special, “The New Deciders.” This episode examines the influence of voters from four demographic groups—Arab Americans, black millennials, Latinx Evangelicals and Asian Americans. Find more information here.
Zootopia
Disney’s Zootopia is a timely lesson in inclusivity. This animated movie takes place in a spectacular, multi-habitat city where predator and prey live in peace. Judy Hopps, a rabbit who has dreamed of entering law enforcement from a young age, becomes the first rabbit to graduate from the police academy. She is determined to prove that, no matter what kind of animal you are, you can be anything you want to be. Despite confronting many setbacks and stereotypes, Judy works to crack a case and makes friends with some unlikely characters. Packed with fun and messages of inclusion, Zootopia is a great resource for the elementary classroom! (108 min.)