What are some ways that race has been used to rationalize inequality? How has race
been used to shift attention (and responsibility) away from oppressors and toward the
targets of oppression?
Week 3 – Omi & Winant
This question comes straight from our textbook:
If race is not “real” in a scientific sense, why can I look around the classroom or campus
and see that someone is black or Asian or white? What is the difference between
something being “real” (like the book in front of you) and something being a “social
construction” (like race or gender)? Use Omi and Winant’s theory of racial formation to
explain how and why we “see” race as we do.
Provide your answer to this question (as long as it takes you to answer the question)
and then comment (3-5 sentences) on two other reflections.
______________________________________________________
Week 3 – John Iceland
When you look through the appendix in this book what is made abundantly clear is that
quality of life indicators like wealth, health and educational attainment vary by race. It is
also the case in most instances that racial minorities experience more socioeconomic
inequality than whites. John Iceland asks the question, “why is this so?” Is the reason
for such disparities the result of discrimination? How and in what ways might the role of
human capital, social capital, culture assimilation, racism and discrimination play in
creating and maintaining racial inequality?
Week 3 – Overall Reflection
After you have read and watched the material for this week, thoughtfully answer and
discuss the following:
1. What have you learned this week about the concept of race?
2. Is race a biological fact, or a social construction?
A. If race is not a biological fact, then why do we as a society still talk about it?
Doesn't it just divide us as a nation.
Week 5 Reflection
Using the documentary, "Race: The Power of an Illunision, Episode 2," briefly answer
the following:
What are some ways that race has been used to rationalize inequality? How has race
been used to shift attention (and responsibility) away from oppressors and toward the
targets of oppression?
_________________________________________________________________
Week 6 – Reflection
Name at least 3 things that you learned from the text and the documentary that we
watched this week, that you either didn't already know or things think would be the most
important to share with someone else who is learning about these eras for the first time.
When you remember to include:
1. Where did you find it (was it in the reading for this week or the videos. Be specific,
so others can find it as well).
2. If it is something you didn't know before, talk about why it stood out to you.
3. If it is something you think others should know, discuss why? Provide the context for
why this is important.
__________________________________________________________________
Week 7 – Reflect & Share
Identify and discuss at least 3 things that you learned from the text and the videos that
we watched this week, that you either didn't already know or things think would be the
most important to share with someone else who is learning about these eras for the first
time. When you remember to include:
1. Where did you find it (was it in the reading for this week or the videos. Be specific,
so others can find it as well).
2. If it is something you didn't know before, talk about why it stood out to you.
3. If it is something you think others should know, discuss why? Provide the context for
why this is important.
Answer preview:
