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Video, Teaching Guide :

Video, Teaching Guide Between Black and White: Asian Americans Speak Out - A Seat at the Table

  • Grade Level 9th-12th Grade
  • Time Period 2010 - Present
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Introduction

The conversation about race in America is often between Black and white, leaving Asian Americans out of the dialogue. Between Black & White: Asian Americans Speak Out is a three-part series exploring how cross-racial and cross-cultural solidarity between Asian Americans and other communities of color have been tested, and what those lessons can teach us about our current fight for tolerance and justice. It is about communities building bridges. Confronting racism. Discovering surprising connections. And fighting hate—together.
“A Seat at the Table” is the second installment of this series, and features the Lunar Collective, a group of people identifying as Jewish and Asian who haven’t fit neatly into demographic categories. Asian American Jews embrace identity, become more visible, and stand against hate.
Community-based organizations and collectives who wish to screen one or more of the documentary shorts can use the Community Engagement Guide to frame and discuss the films with audiences. The guide provides additional socio-historical information to enhance viewing of the documentary shorts. Those organizing a screening can flexibly use the activities and resources.

Essential Questions

  • How does religious faith intersect with racial identity?

  • What does it mean to be a “model minority”? How do these stereotypes negatively impact groups such as Asian and Jewish Americans?

  • The Lunar Collective explains that, like the moon’s cycles, “one side of someone’s identity may be fully and openly illuminated, another may be kept private or misunderstood.” What do you think about this statement?

  • What parts of your identity are out in the open? What parts are lesser known or understood? How so?