Our Hidden Conversations - Chapter 12: "America: A Freight Train of a Word"

We’re approaching the conclusion of Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris, and the discussions continue to uncover profound insights about race, identity, and the American experience.

This Week’s Discussion: Chapter 12 - "America: A Freight Train of a Word"
In this chapter, Norris examines the weight and complexity of the word America itself. She unpacks how this single word carries an immense meaning, shaped by history, culture, and individual experience. From pride and promise to pain and exclusion, the word America evokes a spectrum of emotions and associations. Join us as we explore how these varied meanings reflect the nuances of identity and belonging.

Date: Wednesday, December 4th
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom - https://urichmond.zoom.us/j/83058897941?pwd=TdDJkxwHbLl9zBSHx9gC5T2t8awdcN.1 (Zoom login required.)

• What does the metaphor of a "freight train" suggest about the word America?
• What does America mean to you, and how has that meaning evolved over time?
• Norris explores the interplay between pride and pain in the concept of America. How do these dualities manifest in discussions about race and identity?
• What role does this history play in our collective understanding of race and national identity and how has it united and divided people?
• What steps can we take to reframe or expand the meaning of America to contribute to a more inclusive sense of identity and belonging?

Whether you’ve been with us for the entire series or are joining for this chapter, we welcome your voice in this important conversation. Together, we’ll reflect on what America means to each of us and how its complexities shape our shared understanding of race and identity.

For more information on Intersections or this discussion series, please email Dr. Keith W. McIntosh at cio@richmond.edu.