Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture (CSREC)
presents a 3-hour conference
Fantasy of Whiteness: The Triangulation of the Model Minority to Maintain the Black - White Split
Moderator: Jessica Chan, LICSW, CGP
Presenter: Cherian Verghese, PhD
Large Group Facilitator: Joshua DeSilva, PsyD, CGP
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
3 CEs, meets the MBSWE requirement for three continuing educational credits in anti-oppressive social work practice content focusing on race, culture, or equity
Program Description:
In this conference, we will explore the cultural and historical contexts of the racialized processes embedded in American culture. These racialized processes that contribute to the "fantasy of whiteness" are lodged within the scaffolding of American society. They serve to maintain the Black-White divide by triangulating those in a "model minority" status (such as Asian Americans and Jews).
These embedded dynamics will be identified and defined to help attendees identify how this American caste system is operated and sustained. Dr. Verghese will present his work on this subject. The conference team will lead the group in discussion of the situatedness of ourselves, our patients and our psychodynamic theories and practices.
Schedule:
9:30 - 9:40 Welcome and Introduction by Jessica Chan
9:40 - 10:50 Presentation by Cherian Verghese
10:50 - 11:45 Small groups
11:45 - 12:00 Break
12:00 - 12:45 Discussion in large group and closing
Learning Objectives:
Articulate understanding of how at least two of the cultural processes, such as white privilege, aversive racism, racial melancholia, etc. can impede people recognizing their own and/or their patients situatedness within society.
Identify at least 2 specific concepts related to cultural/racial dynamics/processes that would be beneficial for us to recognize in ourselves.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of model minority and the socio-political and cultural dynamics of its use in maintaining the dehumanizing Black-White divide.
