Overview
Stereotypes about the body aren’t really about the body itself. Think of a stereotype about a person's physical attribute; is that attribute believed to say something about a person’s character, morality, or intelligence? Our understandings, interpretations, and judgments of each other’s bodies can have deep historical roots. We may not even understand the meaning of our own participation in centuries-old stereotypes, just as we may not understand their deeper implications. Even if you think a stereotype is positive, it might be better understood as a backhanded compliment.
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This week’s discussion has 7 parts:
1. It is widely believed that Black people are good at sports for genetic reasons. (3/4 point, including the below sub-questions)
- Where does this belief come from?
- Why is the scientific research that supports this belief flawed?
- Why is the scientific research that supports this belief dangerous?
- Use, quote, & properly cite St Louis (lecture will help too).
- ~200 words.
2. How did racist beliefs drive the “science” of craniometry? (1/4 point)
- Reference the short video Crania Americana.
- ~50 words.
3. Black women are often stereotyped as physically large and emotionally strong. (1/2 point, including the below sub-questions)
- Where does this belief come from?
- Describe at least three ways that this stereotype is dangerous for Black woman.
- Use, quote, and cite Beauboeuf-Lafontant (lecture might help too).
- ~150 words.
4. How are the sayings “seeing is believing” and “believing is seeing” different? (1/2 point)
- What does each mean?
- Explain how ONE of the above topics exemplifies the saying “believing is seeing.”
- ~100 words
5. In 1-3 sentences, explain what it means to say that the body is a conduit for racial stereotypes. (1/4 point) 6. What is an interesting question, either on this topic, or linking this topic with another in our class, to guide discussion in this week's forum? (1/4 point)
Your initial post should be at least 500 words long.
7. After finishing with your own post, also post a comment on at least two of the posts of your classmates. You are welcome to post even more than 2 comments! Thoughtful, positive, questioning, and educational comments, which help to develop the group conversation, can both help others engage the subject more deeply AND improve your own grade! (1/4 point for each comment=total 1/2 point)
Make sure you've properly cited, including page numbers, paragraph numbers, and/or time stamps for all in-text citations.NO AI