Invisibility

You will have a prewriting activity in which you examine the idea of invisibility in our society today: Who are the invisible groups in our society? How is this similar/different to the invisible groups during the Harlem Renaissance? What makes a group invisible? How do race, identity and ideology play a role in invisibility?

Afterwards, you will break into groups of 3-4 and choose a group of people that are “invisible” in our society/community. Each group will explore why this group is “invisible” to mainstream society? What are the ideologies around this group. How can this group become “visible” or can they? Possible group suggestions (immigrants, youth, the poor, women, the middle class, Muslims, African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, other ethnic or religious groups, etc…)

Each group will write their analysis on paper and then present them during the last 40 minutes of class.

Closing discussion: What are some common themes that you saw. What factors contribute to invisibility? Is it possible to become visible?

Homework is due on your blog by the end of Sunday night: Write a letter to Ralph Ellison explaining why his novel, Invisible Man, is relevant or not in today’s society? Use at least two references from the novel.