Spring 2002

Diversity Research Forum on Race, Gender, and Identity

Thursday, March 21, 2002

12:30 – 3:15 p.m.

CALL FOR PAPERS

LIFE AFTER SEPTEMBER 11: CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE

ABSTRACTS DUE FEBRUARY 18, 2002

The Eighth Annual Diversity Research Forum on Race, Gender and Identity will offer faculty and students the opportunity to study the impact and implications of the events proceeding and in the aftermath of September 11^th. This year’s Forum is co-sponsored by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Faculty Relations Committee of the Diversity Initiative, coordinated by the Office of Human Relations Programs. The co-sponsors invite applications for presentations on local, national, and global perspectives on this year’s Forum theme.

With the possible exception of Pearl Harbor, no event in United States history has come as a greater shock to Americans than the tragedy of September 11^th. What is it about September 11^th that elevates its impact above that of other tragedies, past and present, domestically and internationally? Can we identify and understand the factors that contributed to the terrorist attacks? Can we come together as a campus community to help reshape a more inclusive view of ourselves as both Americans and citizens of the world? How can we meet the challenge of greater tolerance and broader understanding when our nation is engaged in a war at home and abroad?

Many disciplines and research perspectives are involved in addressing these highly charged emotional and political issues. The forum sponsors believe that significant work is being conducted in a variety of areas at the university to promote the development of a more just and humane world. As in the past, we are soliciting research presentations involving a wide spectrum of approaches (including but not limited to the empirical, cultural, historical, textual, and performance-oriented) that deal with differences of many kinds – for example, difference between peoples, religions, and regions of the world.

Presenters might consider an examination of such questions as:

• How can we use education to end racial, ethnic, gender, and religious discrimination and other forms of oppression?
• How can a global economy improve living standards for all – not just a few?
• How can we negotiate a world with varying definitions of progress and modernity?
• What has been the impact of racial profiling before, during, and since September 11^th and October 7^th (when the U.S. began its bombing of Afghanistan)?
• How can we secure free speech and constitutional protections during a period of threats against our nation?

Presenters might also consider the exploration of topics such as:

· A long term view of U.S. policy toward the Arab world;

· The role of the U.S. media in influencing public support of the current political and military activity;

· Representations of the September 11^th and October 7^th events on the World Wide Web, especially compared to those in traditional media;

· Strategies for helping children and families in the U.S. and abroad deal with ongoing stress related to bioterrorism, air safety, and military involvement in Afghanistan;

· Programs and policies to reduce the root causes of terrorism, including hunger, illness, poverty, and lack of understanding between peoples;

· Tangential results of September 11^th on campus, including increased hostility toward various campus groups.

Please submit a 1-page abstract for an individual or group presentation/performance of no more than 15 minutes in length. A faculty advisor must endorse a graduate student presentation. Previously published or presented papers or performances are welcome. Include your name, departmental affiliation, phone number, and e-mail. SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 18^th, 2002 by campus mail or e-mail to Dr. Koblinsky (below). Applicants will be informed of the selection by March 1, 2002.

Dr. Sally Koblinsky

Family Studies

1204 Marie Mount Hall, Campus

(301) 405-4009

sk38@umail.umd.edu