1. What group dynamics did you observe throughout the Testimonials on Sunday? For example, was there a pattern in who shared when? What identities people chose to talk about? What identities were not talked about and why do you think that is?
People were universally respectful of others’ space and receptive to hearing, it seemed. After the “first” speaker, the “normal” circle we’d taken took hold. That circle-with-right-to-pass sort of facilitated a nice way for everyone to slide in without forcing them to affirmatively step out and “go,” which, given the nature of conversation, was probably helpful. It’s a big thing to be stepping out on a limb and sharing what was discussed, and eliminating that pressure to need to “step out” even further was subtle, but helpful, I think. A wide range of identities were shared, perhaps wider than I’d have expected. Nobody discussed age, for example, and that could be a function of the environment in which we all had that in common.
2. What privileges or lack of privileges do you experience as a result of the identities you shared with us on Sunday? These can be either individual experiences or group membership experiences (or both).
Well, I think I addressed this pretty thoroughly in my initial discussion—oops? Most of what I experience is a result of group membership, though, and a result of obstacles others may face not existing in my case.
3. What did you find in common with privileged identities you heard about? What about marginalized identities?
A lot of the other discussion of being cis gendered male resonated with me. I found less in common with the discussion of religious identities than I might’ve expected. There were a few cases of marginalized identities where my thought process was along the lines “I’m often anxious about thing X, too, but the difference here is that my fears about X are mostly irrational.”
4. How would you utilize the art of storytelling to deepen relationships and community building? How would you facilitate this storytelling in your halls?
The fundamental concept here is mirroring—presenting an element, dimension, or whatever of oneself that you want someone else to reciprocate. Storytelling is a great way to make that “available” and encourage others to share as well through setting an expectation. This could be woven through hall events or conversations on a smaller scale as appropriate.
5. What questions do you have for the group?
I’m a bit curious how everyone felt after doing it all, but that’s about my only question.
