Discussion and Reflections Questions for Ep. 74 of Jews Talk Racial Justice: Intellectual intimacy and interdependent intellectual independence

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QUICK EPISODE OVERVIEW

Many of us are learning about racial justice and trying to implement DEI in our lives and workplaces, but sometimes we become so stuck in our questions that it keeps us distanced and prevents us from going–and staying–in the deep end. In this conversation, April and Tracie challenge us to get intellectually intimate with the learning and to use our systems of accountability and partnership to stay in this close relationship while also taking ownership of ourselves.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Early in the conversation, April mentions a broader pattern that she has seen in her Jewish communal work of chronic disempowerment and learned helplessness. Have you heard these or similar phrases before? What do you think they mean and where might you have experienced or seen these come up in your life, especially when it comes to any issue you want to learn more about or take action on?

  2. April also mentions that in the Judaism she was raised with, asking questions was valued and respected. She also has seen this connected to learned helplessness and Tracie later talks about how folks can use their questions to keep themselves at an arm’s length. Have you experienced this before? Can you think of times in your life when it is hard to get close to and in relationship with the material?

  3. What does intellectual intimacy look like or mean to you? Are there issues with which you have a hard time getting intellectually intimate?

  4. Tracie suggests that questions might be like an accountability buddy. How can you make sure your “buddy” is actually helping, and not validating excuses to stay stuck?

  5. What does interdependent intellectual independence mean to you? How do you envision it? Break down this phrase. What does this mean? Describe what this would look like in the real world. 

  6. April mentions the legacy of white people depending on People of color and Black people in particular that is pervasive in our community. Where might you have seen this dynamic play out? What does it mean to listen to and follow the lead of Black people and People of color while also not depending on them and taking ownership of your own work?

  7. When it comes to interdependent intellectual independence, some might also say that interdependence and independence are opposed. Do you agree? How are these two concepts both connected to one another and generative in racial justice or any community/individual anti-oppressive work? 

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

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