Words as Weapons: When Racism Divides Us

A panel, held as part of a weekend of events, exploring themes raised in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre’s current exhibition, Candice Lin’s Pigs and Poison, which confronts racism, global migration and racialised language in times of pandemic.

Panel speakers include Professor Manying Ip, author and Professor Emeritus of Asian Studies at University of Auckland; Professor Kerry Ann Lee, artist and Senior Lecturer at Massey University; and Dr David Mayeda, Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Auckland.

Participants will reflect on what it means to be an ally to targeted groups in these uncertain times. How willing are we to consider other’s experiences that are beyond our own perspectives? What is the power of language – how do we disrupt racist comments and jokes?

On Sunday join panellists Manying Ip and Kerry Ann Lee to delve deeper into themes discussed in the panel event the day before, as we take the time in a safe space to unpack issues of racialised language in times of pandemic, and look at how we can create solutions to address a developing culture of blame. Specifically, how best to respond when you hear casual racism and bigotry.
Anyone joining this workshop is strongly encouraged to have attended the panel discussion the day prior, as this will inform the themes discussed.

In addition to the main workshop there will be a separate workshop just for young people 12-18, which will run at the same time.

Image credit: Sam Hartnett