Desirably Difficult Dialogues attempt to help students learn about identity-based social inequalities and social justice in shorter segments and outside of the classroom. Although DDD cannot duplicate or replace the sustained, developmental processes and outcomes associated with a semester long dialogue course, DDD offer members of the broader Oxy community an additional venue through which to address important social divides concerning race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and class in an increasingly diverse world. Our approach then, exceeds “tolerance” and can generate discomfort.  We believe, however, that a socially just, inclusive society compels us to engage desirable difficulties.

We hope that student organizations, campus leaders, and faculty will consider ways that DDD can help increase their constituents’ awareness and knowledge about identity, inequality, and social justice.  

Desirably Difficult Dialogue Workshop Request Form

Workshop Topics

We will offer a limited number of DDD workshops each semester on a first come-first served basis, balancing your needs with our experience, knowledge, and limited resources. Below are examples of some of the ninety minute to three hour workshop themes we can facilitate.  We are also open to developing specific workshops to suit your needs.  Each workshop requires three weeks of preparation.

Does Race Still Matter?
Are we approaching “post-racial” status or does race still matter? This workshop explores how students think, feel, and act regarding race.

Why Do They All Sit Together?
Discuss the perception, implications, and complexities of group “segregation” on college campuses.

That’s not what I meant! Communicating Within and Across Groups
A look at how identity can impact communication and conflict in social groups.

Power and Influence in Groups
Look at the way social identities affect group dynamics and discuss strategies for effective teamwork.

What’s All This Talk About Privilege and Oppression Got To Do With Me?
Exploring our attitudes about the meaning and some of the outcomes associated with “privilege” and “oppression” for life and on campus via several learning activities.

Gender Socialization, It Sure Explains a Lot
Explore the ways that we’ve been socialized by messages about gender including its contemporary impact on society and at Oxy.

Microaggression or Hypersensitivity?
Examine some of the new forms that prejudice takes in contemporary culture. Discuss how to identify the causes, consequences, and strategies for addressing microaggressions on campus.

Campus Climate Across Social Groups
Explore how social identities impact the way students interact and how together we can improve the way the campus feels.