/HVVRQ 3ODQ
Time Needed: 40 minutes if you follow linear time or until you feel satisfied. Materials: A scrap piece of paper; beloved journal; or a neglected notebook. ●
Tools ○
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Agenda: Examine how oral history methodology can be used to challenge oppressive power dynamics in your work and how/when does reciprocity figure in?
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Read these three (very short) articles from the “I, Witness” blog series below (Note: "The 'I, Witness' blog series explores the ethics, challenges, and possibilities of teaching and conducting oral history."): ○ Knowing Nothing: Curiosity in Oral History
Objective: ●
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Your favorite writing utensil.
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Oral History and Vulnerability
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Who Benefits? Power and Privilege in Oral History Projects
Each article addresses how oral history challenged preconceived notions held by the author and/or inspired new ways of thinking and practicing oral history. Participants will consider their personal philosophy when practicing oral history using the articles above as a springboard for dialogue. Participants will consider the relationship between reciprocity and oral history. How can an interviewer carry on a long term connection with a community or a narrator; what's reasonable for all parties? Participants will reflect on power dynamics and vulnerability. What's changed for them in attitude, perception, or responsibility since conducting their first interview? Participants will identify their needs and values as an oral historian understanding it may change over time.
Essential Question(s): 1.
Which article aligns closest with your approach to oral history (or maybe not!)? Do you disagree with any of the articles? Do you think these conversations have evolved since the posts were originally written?
2.
What do you think of Joell Hallowell's approach to oral history in the article "Knowing Nothing: Curiosity in Oral History": What do you think is the true meaning behind this statement? Do you think she's being literal? "Always record your interview, but never take notes. Never look down, never look out the rippled window and wonder what she might say next."
3.
How would you incorporate reciprocity in a project design for the example given in "Who Benefits?Power and Privilege in Oral History Projects" about the community project in the north side of Cleveland?
Exercise: Write a short poem by completing each line. I am most helpful when I… People help me most when they… My community is… My golden rule is…
*Bonus* Watch Sara Sinclair, editor of How We Go Home, and a panel of Indigenous women in a round table discussion about Indigenous sovereignty today. Watch here.