Racially Sensitive Topics Unless Interview

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Racially Sensitive Topics Unless Interview

Interview Tips and Strategies

  • Choose a person that interests you. Think about the reasons why this person holds your interest other than race. While this person needs to self-identify as African American, DO NOT make race your main focus.
  • Consider how your interest in this person reflects on a unifying theme for your interview.
    • Hobbies and interests
    • Opportunities and career goals
    • Demeanor or character
    • Outlook on life and beliefs
    • Family traditions and family history
  • DO NOT ask about racially sensitive topics unless you have already established trust with your subject (friend/family member).
  • Be mindful in your approach. Let your interviewee talk about what they desire even if this goes off subject. Be courteous and respectful.
  • Remember the length of interview equals the amount of information from which to pull from. Estimate thirty minutes or more.
  • Think about your own biases, approaches, and expectations. Go into your interview with as open of a mind as possible.
  • If you yourself identify as African American, then interview someone who may have an entirely different perspective (different generation, gender, sexual orientation, interests or lifestyle, and so forth)
  • Finally, if you have trouble finding an interviewee for whatever reasons, please reach out to me or your classmates.
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  • As part of your research paper you will interview a person who identifies as African American or has significant ties to African American community. Your goal is to talk to this person about his or her life and cultural experiences. This can and should include traditions, leisure activities, entertainment preferences, religion, political aspirations, life goals and/or more. You will relate what this person says to what we are learning in class.In order to prepare for your final paper, first, write a paragraph about the person you will interview. Include physical descriptions, age, gender, or any other significant characteristics. You should also tell me how you know this person and why you have chosen them to be interviewed.Next, list 3-5 questions you want to ask this person. Think about your goals in the interview. What will be your main topic of discussion? Why? What do you find the most interesting about this person’s life?