Page 306 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

the video and disseminated into small groups but we got in it for a two-way conversation.

After that, I really got into the flavor of things when we went back into the framework of

the large group to share feelings, stories and perspectives.” (P03FTRM)

“I think it was reiterated that we all needed to be able to feel comfortable with our own

stories, our own ideologies, regardless of the topic so that we can come to a better

understanding of each other.” (P10MTRM)

The conditions established by the video, experiential exercises, and forming a dialogue

circle are dimensions that set the atmosphere for meaningful dialogue to occur among the

attendees. Another respondent explained the sense of comfort she had in the group.

“Even though people were sharing things that were uncomfortable, it felt appropriate, it

felt intimate, it felt good. It felt like you were with a group of friends, it was good.”

(P04FW)

Validating our stories. None of the participant respondents asked had seen the video series

before attending. Respondents commented about how they enjoyed watching the video because

they gained new information and, more importantly, the video validated the African American

experience in ways some of them might not have had experienced before—with facts and data.

“I enjoyed watching it. I enjoyed hearing the stories and was like “oh okay.” Because you

have your own experiences, then you see your experience re-lived through someone else

it’s like, ‘okay, I’m not crazy.’ You know this really does happen and it’s not just me.”

“The video help me realize that I am not just perceiving this from a negative perspective,

because it’s true, it’s real, it happens. The video validated my feelings about prior

experiences I’ve had as an African American.” (P03FTRM)

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