Am I _________ Enough?

85 Minutes

Writing Exercise

Fish

Guided Discussion

be•long

Guided Discussion

Writing Exercise

Closing Thoughts and Evaluations

Introduction

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.

Building Empathy for Others

topics covered

Isolation and Loneliness, Racism, Stigma

aom nutrients

Empathy, Honest Self Reflection

casel sel

Self-awareness, Self-management

wellness wheel

Emotional

identities

Child / Children, College age, Parent, Immigrant, Black, East Asian, Woman / female

film style

Drama, Documentary

Films Included