Backfire Effect: Using Hegemony to Explore Our Own Positionality

Abstract

This in-class activity is designed to help students understand the theory of racial formation in the United States by having them identify “hegemony” in relation to their own positionality. Using the backfire effect as a medium to explain the elements of coercion and consent, this activity allows students to draw from their experiences to see why and...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Racial and Ethnic Relations

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

This activity is best suited for introduction to sociology, race/ethnicity course, or any other course that focuses on race relations. This can be carried out in both large and small classes as all three parts can be facilitated regardless of the class size. And while this activity was initially created for remote instruction during COVID-19, it can...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will be able to examine their core beliefs with an understanding of the backfire effect.
2. Students will be able to define hegemony through the language of coercion and consent, and identify the relevance of the theory of racial formation in their daily lives.
3. Students will learn to identify and articulate a critique of colorblind ideology.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students are asked to reflect on their core beliefs and share how these beliefs have benefitted and limited them.
2. During an instructor led discussion, students will define and provide examples that illustrate how coercion and consent work together to sustain hegemony.
3. Students will complete a critical reflection paper that addresses racial hegemony and colorblindness in relation to their positionality.