grade 11 English exam review

microaggressions

• Subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions directed to marginalized groups

• Ex. A Black person being told that they are articulate

assimilation

• The process by which a person or group adopts the cultural traits of another, often dominant, group, sometimes losing their original identity.

• Ex. African Americans altering their hairstyles to fit predominantly white corporate environments.

isolation

• The experience of being separated from others or feeling alone, often due to social or systemic barriers.

• Ex. Black students feeling isolated in predominantly white schools

code switching

• The practice of shifting between languages or cultural behaviors to fit different social contexts.

• Ex. Switching between languages

allyship

• The practice of using one's privilege to support and advocate for marginalized groups.

• Ex. A white colleague speaking up against racial discrimination in the workplace to support their Black coworkers.

stereotyping

• Oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people

• Ex. Black people are naturally better athletes

White Fragility

• The discomfort and defensiveness displayed by some white people when confronted with racial inequality and injustice.

• Ex. A white person becoming defensive and shutting down a conversation when a Black colleague discusses their experiences with racism

Tokenism

• The practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to include members of minority groups.

• Ex. A company highlighting a single Black employee in promotional materials to show diversity while lacking inclusive practices.

Marginalization

• The process by which certain groups are pushed to the edge of society, limiting their access to resources and opportunities.

• Ex. Black communities facing systemic underinvestment in education and infrastructure.

Marxism

• A socio-political and economic theory that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society.

• Ex. Analyzing the economic exploitation of Black labor in the context of the broader capitalist system.

Racism

• The belief that one race is superior to others, leading to discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race.

• Ex. Segregation laws in the United States that enforced racial separation and inequality.

Psychoanalytic

• Relating to the theories and practices developed by Sigmund Freud, focusing on unconscious motives and conflicts.

• Ex. Using psychoanalytic theory to explore internalized racism and its psychological impact on Black individuals.

Oppression

• Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control over a group of people.

• Ex. The systemic oppression of Black Americans through discriminatory laws and practices, such as Jim Crow laws.