Personal positionality activities allow students to see themselves as historical actors and individuals with different perspectives. The language we use matters (avoid "bias" and instead use "perspective").

Hatreds have context. As Historians, we are not here to simplify bad things that happen because of bad people. We need to discover the complicated and nuanced structures that create the contexts and circumstances that allow for oppression. Helps students to understand better how something horrific could happen and apply it to our own moments of oppression. The same systems of oppression are still with us today.

Also, just thought that the idea of personal positionality allows us to build community, as suggested by Bakari Seller as a starting point to learning to love our neighbor. Bias implies a right/wrong, good/bad binary that impedes that opportunity to find ways to connect.

Also, just thought that the idea of personal positionality allows us to build community, as suggested by Bakari Seller as a starting point to learning to love our neighbor. Bias implies a right/wrong, good/bad binary that impedes that opportunity to find ways to connect.