October 28, 2011
Bettez to discuss experiences of mixed race women
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Silvia C. Bettez will present “But Don’t Call Me White: Mixed Race Women Exposing Nuances of Privilege and Oppression Politics” on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The guest lecture in Wham Building, Room 219, is set for 3:30 to 5 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend. Bettez is an assistant professor of cultural foundations of education in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s School of Education.
The basis of her presentation is her recently released book of the same title. Bettez extensively interviewed 16 women of mixed race, all having one white parent and one parent of color. She considers the women “secret agent insiders to cultural whiteness,” with the experiences and ability to offer unique insights and perspectives that they see in light of their lives as mixed race individuals. Bettez will discuss “the hidden dynamics of oppression and privilege along the lines of race, class, gender and sexuality.”
Bettez focuses on social justice education, sociology of education and qualitative research methods in her work. Her published essays cover a range of topics including community building, activist teaching, social justice, globalization and cultural responsiveness.
Sponsors of the presentation include the Educational Administration and Higher Education (EAHE) department and the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department. For more information, contact Kathy Hytten, EAHE professor, at khytten@siu.edu.