Attallah’s talk will explore the ways storytelling shapes identity. “How do the stories we tell about ourselves help shape who we are and how others see us? When stories are valued they are seen as ‘authentic,’ and that presumed authenticity influences memory and identity. It is often the stories we don’t hear, the ones we don’t share or that are pushed to the margins, that could help us move towards empathic reconciliation in times of widespread empathic collapse,” says Attallah.
Through stories ranging from family traditions to civil rights struggles to the Armenian Genocide, Attallah will address the power of telling our stories.
With academic expertise and specialization in the areas of race and ethnic relations, genocide studies and identity politics, Attallah, who teaches in the Dept. of Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies, incorporates recognition of genocide and genocide denial into her teaching. She has presented her research on Armenian Genocide denial at national conferences as well as in guest lectures, and is recognized by genocide scholars as an emerging expert on the Armenian Genocide.
The talk is the latest installment of HSU’s Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, which features talks by the recipients of HSU’s Distinguished Faculty award winners. Wildlife Professor Jeff Black, the 2013-14 Scholar of the Year, presents a free lecture on Nov. 10.