Renowned German journalist and author Alice Hasters, recently visited GISSV in Mountain View and San Francisco to speak with students of different age groups about racism.
Alice Hasters is a versatile author who has made noteworthy contributions to multiple German media outlets, such as publications like Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Furthermore, she has gained experience working across different mediums, including television with Tagesschau and BR, as well as in podcasts and other platforms. Her book "Was weiße Menschen nicht über Rassismus hören wollen" (What White People Don't Want to Hear About Racism) brought her to the public eye and garnered her widespread recognition. Presently, Hasters is pursuing a fellowship at the Thomas Mann House in LA, where she is working on her new book.
In her talks at our campuses, Hasters recounted her personal journey as a woman of color in both Germany and the United States. She delved into pressing issues such as racial inequality and stressed the importance of standing up against racism. During the interaction with the students, Alice Hasters received a wide range of questions that spanned beyond her personal experiences. The students sought her insights on various topics such as how to become a writer, book recommendations, the differences in racism between Germany and the US, and ways to make a difference in the world.
In her book recommendations, she included books that are age-appropriate for young readers. She suggested "Gib mir mal die Hautfarbe" and "Schwarz wird großgeschrieben" for German readers. She also recommended that readers of all ages check out the works of American author Jason Reynolds and of course to visit the library to find the right book for them.
In conclusion, Hasters' visit to GISSV was an enriching experience for both students and staff. Her visit to GISSV provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the importance of discussing and addressing racism. Her insightful talks will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those who attended.