Identity Politics of Race
For this seminar, you will practice doing some research on your own! You will find and use 2-4 sources to complete the assignment.
Like gender, race is a fundamental part of identity politics in our culture.
For this seminar you will write an analysis of an issue surrounding race in the US.
– First, think about the definition of race: how might the social construct of race shape the way race becomes a political discussion? Do race and gender have any commonalities in the way that they are constructed and the political repercussions of their definitions? Tip: “Google” the phrase “Race as a “Social Construction” and review the current discourse to get the wheels turning.
Craft a “mini-essay” (about 4-6 paragraphs, 600+ words) using ideas from 2-4 texts/sources you found (could be an article, video, documentary, podcast, etc.) firsthand experience, and/or any other insight you can offer to this conversation. In other words, What’s your Critical Reaction? Remember that we are building toward an understanding of identity politics; shape your responses to that end. Make sure to use summary, paraphrase and quote to accurately and succinctly explain ideas in each source.
Answer previewA race is a socially constructed concept since when people classify others as Black, White, Latin, or Asian, they focus on aspects like cultural traits and not necessarily on biological traits. Gender is another aspect that is socially constructed where society defines men and women based on the roles they should play. By focusing more on race, the society has stratified races in a racial system where the Whites appear at the top. The non-indigenous people then follow and then the blacks together with the indigenous people appear at the bottom. The racial stratification has contributed to racism…
(850 words)