2012 MizzouDiversity Summit
Mizzou Human Library Project
Smashing Stereotypes One Conversation at a Time
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012
The original Human Library Project
was started in Denmark and has since spread to many countries around the world including the United States. The goal of the project is to break down common stereotypes by facilitating one-on-one and small group discussions between people of different backgrounds and promoting an open way of communicating with and understanding others. 
The Mizzou Human Library project connects you, the reader, with people belonging to groups that are frequently confronted with prejudices and stereotypes. These people have agreed to be "living books" in the library and share their experiences with readers, reply to reader questions and even ask questions of their readers. Each "book" in the library can be checked out by readers (1-5 at a time) for up to 30 minutes at a time, although most will average 15-20 minutes. Stop by the Human Library in S304 Memorial Union between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30 to meet with a volunteer "book." No reservations needed. Just bring your curiosity, an open mind, and a friend if you'd like.
2012 Books
American-born Vietnamese: Being able to adjust politically and culturally with both cultures
Available from 2–4 p.m.
I was raised based on two complete different political beliefs (my mom is a communist and my dad is a democrat). Therefore, being able to adjust to both sides of the family, as well as growing up here in the United States where my mom is strictly against due to the Vietnam War, has always been hard on my part.
American of Japanese Ancestry: Growing up behind barbed wire and guard towers
Available from 12–2 p.m.
As an American of Japanese Ancestry, I spent years of my early childhood behind barbed wire at the Heart Mountain, Wyoming relocation center.
Arab and Muslims, Who We Really Are:
Read it straight from the source
Available from 1–3 p.m.
I am a middle Eastern and Muslim individual. I have heard stories about how we (Muslims and Arabs) are stereotyped in the U.S. The media, and even reliable sources, often showcase us with such an ugly image. Going straight to the source is the best and most reliable kind of information someone should reach to. Therefore, I am excited to show more about my culture and my religion from my own region.
A Black Male Graduate Student at MU: Living in a Different World
Available from 2–4 p.m.
I am a black male who is a PhD candidate in the humanities. I am a US Army veteran, but I have not been deployed recently. I spent eight years in the Army and went all over the place. Many of the stereotypes of black masculinity are things I would like to shatter. For instance, I am a tall and big guy. Many people are a bit intimidated by me until they get to know me, after which I am sometimes taken as being too nice. I have had to use my appearance sometimes to get back a level of respect that I feel is often denied to black males. I am also a literature specialist, which surprises most people. I am single and straight, and as a PhD candidate in the humanities who is a nice guy, many wonder if I am gay. I am not a violent person, but I believe that violence is sometimes justified.
The Business of None of Your Business
Available from 12–3 p.m.
Identity is a topic often oversimplified and diversity is a topic often misunderstood. It can be said that they go hand in hand, while some will argue: one is personal and the other is political. Step inside to discover what you were never meant to know, for what reason(s), and how genuine ignorance (once guilt is eradicated) can serve as a platform for social justice.
A Different Kind of Mid-life Crisis: From full physical functioning to quadriplegia in one minute, at age 45
Available from 3–4 p.m.
I was out for a ride on my ten-speed bike. Sunny Sunday afternoon—May 4th, 1986. The bike skidded on sand when I squeezed the handbrakes too hard. It was the first time I’d ridden this bike. I don't remember what happened. I woke up in a meat wagon—a.k.a. emergency vehicle—headed for the Kansas University Medical Center, about two miles from home and just across the Missouri/Kansas border in Kansas City. I was discharged from the KU Med Center six months later. The rest of my life has been spent in a power wheelchair with incredible support from my wife Maggie, and help from a lot of other people. I hope you’ll learn a little from what I’ll explain I didn’t do before my injury, and what’s become better after my injury.
Going Blind with a Mind Full of Light and a Heart Full of Rock'n Roll: Towards an affirmative-social ability theory
Available from 12–4 p.m.
I was born with a type of retinal degeneration which meant that I was legally blind since I was 12. My vision deteriorated almost completely in February 2010. I have a master's degree in geology and am working on my PhD in science education.
It Takes a Village: The Spectrum of Eating Disorders and the Road to Recovery
Available from 2–4 p.m.
From junior year of high school to the present, though it is much, much better now, I have been living with an eating disorder. I want to tell people about the mindset of a person living with this type of disorder and how it really is a mental illness.
Living with Bipolar Disorder and other Unseen Disabilities
Available from 12–4 p.m.
I am a professor who has rapid cycling bipolar disorder—which means my moods cycle more than four times each year (which is very unusual). It's been very disruptive. I've self-medicated. I've been married twice. I've also been a single mom. But my daughters grew up to be intelligent, independent, adventuresome young women. I currently sit on the City of Columbia's Disabilities Commission because I want to promote awareness of invisible disabilities (I also have fibromyalgia). I think these struggles have made me a more creative, resilient, and empathetic person. I frequently talk about my illnesses to classes at the graduate level in sociology and public affairs.
Living with Depression
Available from 2–4 p.m.
Growing up I had extreme anxiety and frequent panic attacks. As I got older my disorder morphed to encompass depression as well. I've learned to deal with my problems (for the most part), and have developed coping skills, created valuable memories, as well as learned how to better understand myself and help my peers.
Mormon Living
Available from 12–1:30 p.m.
I will describe the typical life and values of a Mormon (a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints) from the viewpoint of someone who joined the church at 18 and remains very active in the faith.
Standing Ground
Available from 12–2 p.m.
I am a Wiccan High Priestess who currently lives with her female partner. I grew up extremely poor and moved 28 times by the time I was in 8th grade. I never went to high school. I graduated with honors with two BA degrees and have 24 graduate credit hours in Education and ESL.
Unitarian Universalist
Available from 2–4 p.m.
I was raised in the UU church here in Columbia. Growing up I struggled with lots of ethical and life choices; by contemplating the Unitarian Universalist principles I was able to make definitive and loving decisions. Drop by to learn more about my faith and the misconceptions it faces.
Walking in Two Worlds: Growing Up Different in Society
Available from 12:30–2:30 p.m.
I am a half-white, half-Native American bisexual woman who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Forestry. I am from northeastern Indiana where it snows more than it does here in central Missouri. I am the first in my family to get a Ph.D. and I come from a blue-collar family full of union workers. I myself was a union worker before I decided to go to college. Due to my tribe's enrollment rules, I cannot enroll into my tribe for several reasons, but the biggest is that my Native American blood is not from my mother, which is a requirement. For that reason, it's hard for me to fit into Indian country (because they don't think I'm a "real Indian") and I am asked by many white people what ethnicity I am because I don't look completely white. I walk in two worlds, so to speak.
