This project introduces students to the idea of a pattern language—a set of recurring social tactics or moves that people use, often unconsciously, to maintain power or control in everyday interactions. Just like a language has grammar and vocabulary, these social patterns have predictable structures—ways of speaking or acting that repeat across different contexts and relationships.

At FIA, we’ve developed a detailed pattern library that breaks down the power moves used in manipulation and microaggressions. You can view our detailed patterns here: https://miro.com/app/board/o9J_lG4vRWw=/. These patterns might seem minor or random at first, but they’re actually the basic recipes that reinforce larger systems of inequality—like racism, sexism, and classism.

By learning to see this pattern language of oppression, students can recognize how these small social moves link up with broader civil rights struggles—and how feelings of powerlessness today often echo deeper historical patterns of domination.

Students will select patterns from the FIA library and translate them into multiple-choice questions that help others see and name these patterns, turning them into accessible learning tools. They’re free to use AI tools or other digital resources to draft, refine, and format their questions.

✅ They’ll learn to see social power as a system, not just isolated incidents.

✅ They’ll practice breaking down complex social issues into simpler, teachable parts.

✅ They’ll connect these patterns to the bigger civil rights conversations happening in the Bronx and beyond.