
Am I _________ Enough?
85 Minutes
Writing Exercise
Fish
Guided Discussion
be•long
Guided Discussion
Writing Exercise
Closing Thoughts and Evaluations
Participants will be able to:
Analyze how perceptions of identity impact social dynamics as experienced by protagonists in two films
Deconstruct the impacts of prejudice and internalized stigma through reflection and discussion
Write and reflect privately about the contrast between how we might appear from the outside versus the reality of our interior selves
"Am I \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Enough?" invites students to begin class with a private free-write exploring the contrast between how we might appear from the outside versus the reality of our interior selves. Then, they will analyze how perceptions of identity impact social dynamics as experienced by the protagonists in a short drama. They'll watch a documentary, and consider the impacts of internalized stigma on the protagonist as well as the effects pre-judging others can have on those judged and those doing the judging. They'll discuss how perceptions of identity may be learned and how they might change over time. Finally, they'll write a second private free-write that considers what defines their inner selves.
Notes:
- This class includes two Free Write opportunities in which students will be exploring concepts independently. We do not recommend requiring these exercises to be shared with the instructor or other class members, as it can inhibit creativity and flow.
- An optional supplementary material about Identity and Cultural Dimensions of Mental Health is included as a resource. It is not explicitly built into the class or the minimum time required estimate.
topics covered
Racism, Stigma, Isolation and Loneliness
aom nutrients
Empathy, Honest Self Reflection
casel sel
Self-awareness, Self-management
wellness wheel
Emotional
identities
College age, Black, East Asian, Woman / female, Parent, Immigrant, Child / Children
film style
Documentary, Drama
Films Included
Fish
Leila, a British-born, second-generation Chinese immigrant, struggles with her dual identity, in an annual celebration of Chinese New Year.
film style
Drama
identities
College age, East Asian, Parent, Immigrant, Child / Children
be•long
A Black woman recounts a 17-year battle with mental health, starting with a suicide attempt and ending in sobriety.
film style
Documentary
identities
Black, Woman / female