2.5 Race, Ethnicity, and Why It Matters (DISCUSSION)
In 4 paragraphs, answer the following questions.
Have you ever heard anyone (maybe even you) dismiss the existence of racism by using one of the five fallacies? If so, how did the conversation go? What were they discussing, and how did the conversation end?
Analyze the Tim Wise Colorblind Lecture. What are his three beliefs (on racism) that keep society from progressing? Do you agree? Why or why not? Why do you believe Americans love to memorize only some parts of the past?
Also, do a brief review of the White Like Me documentary. Did it expand you understanding of race and power in the United States? If so, how? If not, what are some points Tim Wise failed to recognize?
Please respond to two students in a paragraph or less, and answer all of the questions for full points .
2.1 Module Overview (READ)Welcome! This next module is titled, Race, Ethnicity, and Why it Matters. In this Module, you will be exploring race, ethnicity, identity, and how racism works in our society both historically and currently. Also, identities of whiteness will be explored.
You will be reading an academic article titled What is Racial Domination? Then, watching a lecture from anti-racist educator Tim Wise where he discusses he three philosophies on what keeps society from progressing. You will later watch a documentary created by him titled "White Like Me." In this, Tim explores his own identity and privilege, while speaking to other folks about whiteness, and takes a look at how whiteness has worked in the United States historically. Lastly, a Discussion and Quiz will finish out the module.
This module is a key component to understanding the rest of the class. Without it, we cannot understand historical power dynamics that have lead us to where we are today! Good luck.
2.2 What Is Racial Domination? (READ)Read this entire article titled "What is Racial Domination?" The academic language and terminology will help you not only through the rest of the module, but throughout the rest of the semester. If you cannot open the link, please google "What is Racial Domination" and it will be the article written by Mathew Desmond.
What to look for:
*Definition of race
*Phenotype vs. Ancestry and examples historically
*Ethnicity and Nationality
*Five Fallacies of Racism- What are they and examples of each. (This is a big one!)
This link sometimes doesn't work. If it does not, please google "What is Racial Domination Mathew Desmond" and it will be that article.
What is Racial DominationLinks to an external site.
2.3 White Like Me (WATCH)Watch this documentary titled "White Like Me". You may need to login to the Grossmont library. It should be the same login (first name.lastname) and password as you do to log into Grossmont's Webadvisor and Canvas. If you cannot access the video, please go to the library website and click "Chat with a librarian." They should be able to help you login. I am not responsible for you not being able to login. You will have several days from the open date to the close date to figure this out. I will not respond to emails that state you cannot open it and want it excused, or not graded. Not being able to open the video is not an excuse for a failing grade. Please make sure you can view the video immediately.
Here is a link: WATCH WHITE LIKE ME (CLICK HERE)Links to an external site.
What to look for:
*What was his experience with protesting in Tulane and how did it show his privilege?
*What was his experience working on a Senate race? Why was his opponent significant?
*How did students respond "What is it like to be white?"
* What was the social security act and how did it disproportionately discriminate against Black and Brown people?
*Racist undertones in the 2008 election of Barack Obama
*Views on racism in the 1960s (like did it exist) vs. now?
*What is the argument opponents in the documentary make about "reverse racism?"
2.4 COLORBLIND (WATCH/LISTEN)Watch this next lecture from Tim Wise titled "Colorblind." It discusses what it means like to try to live in a colorblind society when we have been liking historically in a society that benefits whiteness for hundreds of years.
What to look for:
*What are the 3 things that keep us from racial progress? (Big one!)
*What does he say about white folks claiming to have Black friends? And Black friends having white friends? Why does he find this amusing?
*What does he say in relation to societal stereotypes vs. advertisements we see every day?
*What does he say about Americans celebrating the past vs. remembering the uncomfortable truths of the past?