CDP Resource: Listening & Learning with "I" Statements

Episode 3. Joy

This resource is an accompaniment to our podcast, “I” Statements, where people with different identities come together to share their own beliefs, experiences, and perspectives, demonstrating both the power and the possibility inherent in communicating across difference.

Episode transcript

Episode Overview

In this episode, Natoshia, Rachel, and Tony talk about what it means when they feeljoy, how joy connects to the stories we tell about ourselves, and the importance of seeing one’s own experiences of joy represented in the world.

Discussion Questions

  • In general, how are people in your social identity group(s) typically depicted in media (e.g., movies, TV shows, song lyrics, news)? Focusing on joy in particular, what messages did/do you receive about how people in your social identity group(s) should experience joy? E.g. what messages do I receive as a woman about what joy should look like for women?
  • How do you exercise control over the story that you tell about your own life? What do you want to make sure others know about you, and how do you share that with them?
  • Rachel shared that she saw joy as something she had minimal control over, and Natoshia expressed afterward that she viewed it as a conscious choice.
    • How did Natoshia effectively communicate her differing perspective
    • How do you typically communicate a difference in perspectives with others?

Writing Prompt

When have you seen your social identity group(s) represented in a positive way? How does it feel for you to see that? What would the world be like if your group(s) had consistent and positive representation in media, leadership, education, and other contexts?

Related Readings

About CDP Resources

Written by the Center for Dialogue & Pluralism (CDP), CDP Resources are intended for noncommercial, educational use by members of the Cornell community. This content represents CDP’s intellectual property and may not be reproduced or repurposed for commercial use without prior written permission.

For inquiries about reprint or linking permissions, please contact dialogue@cornell.edu.