Follow-up Quote & First Family Exercise

Before I get into an insightful quote which supports my comments in class today, let me remind you to scroll down to the previous blog post for a description of the "Get Your Feet Wet Exercise," which I'd like you to comment on by next Friday (9/17).

FOLLOW-UP QUOTE: Sociologist, Dr. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, in his book, "Racism Without Racists," articulates well the point I was belaboring in class this morning that Whites in particular often do not think about race and ethnic relations as significant. He says,

"Nowadays, except for members of white supremacist organizations, few whites in the United States claim to be "racist." Most whites assert that they 'don't see color, just people;' that although the ugly face of discrimination is still with us, it is no longer the central factor determining minorities' life chances; and, finally, that like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they aspire to live in a society where 'people are judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.' More poignantly, most whites insist that minorities (especially blacks) are the ones responsible for whatever "race problem" we have in this country. They publicly denounce blacks for "playing the race card," for demanding the maintenance of unnecessary and divisive race-based programs, such as affirmative action, and for crying "racism" whenever they are criticized by whites. Most whites believe that if blacks and other minorities would just stop thinking about the past, work hard, and complain less (particularly about racial discrimination), then Americans of all hues could 'all get along.'" (p.1)

And he went on to say: "But regardless of whites' "sincere fictions," racial considerations shade almost everything in America." (p.1) He then goes on to list the many socio-economic variables on which blacks lag far behind whites.

Finally, as we'll see in a few weeks, Dr. Beverly Tatum emphasizes how white teachers especially need to be aware of the prejudice and stereotypes minority students have to deal with.

PLEASE INCORPORATE THE ABOVE QUOTES IN YOUR NOTES ON THE RELEVANCE OF A COURSE IN RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS, WHICH I SPOKE ABOUT TODAY.


FIRST FAMILY EXERCISE:
Over the next two weeks, beginning next Tuesday (9/14), we are going to be seeing a three-part video series entitled, "Race: the power of an illusion." It challenges the whole notion of race and gives an overview of the pernicious effects of race theory and racism in America from our earliest days as a nation. Following the viewing of each part, I want each of the families to discuss what you saw and identify what you believe were the TWO most important historical facts or points and their significance for understanding race relations in our society today. Once you determine those two points, a designated family member should then EMAIL your comments to me and I will then edit them and eventually post them on this blog. Please be fairly succinct in stating these points -- no more than one paragraph each. At the conclusion of the series we'll review these points in class and I will add my own analysis of some of the key points in this video series. I may use some of the points you come up with as a basis for some questions on the midterm exam. This exercise is worth 6 activity points, and you have to be present and participating in order to earn those points.

Hope to see everyone next Tuesday.