Reference no: EM133720789

Assignment:

In our reading, the reference to the "language of the unheard" includes people from New Brighton, Staten Island, and Jamaica, Queens who protested the deaths of two 10 year old Black boys, Ricky Bodden and Clifford Glover. These children were unarmed and shot in the back while running. I believe the unheard refers to non-white residents who are routinely treated harshly and often in a manner of racial motivation. These are not people with strong political representation or protection, so when they die, it is not publicized in media like they would with white children. The use of the language of the unheard can be used for protests and grieving for people of color who have been unfairly incarcerated, brutally harassed or assault, or killed without consequences. In recent years, the use of social media has made it possible for people of color to communicate and organize together in protest of police killings. The language of the unheard is becoming more "heard" and more powerful as a result.

I believe the writer Debanjan Roychoudhury came up with the concept of double consciousness. This is the idea that we see things twice, once through our own eyes and again through the eyes of the "other world." The world is generally set against people of color, poor people, and people who don't conform to societal norms. For these people, they have to be aware of their own perspective, but also the perspective of others who see them as a negative stereotype. This is not only damaging to a person's mental health, but can be dangerous or even deadly. The term double consciousness indicates that we have to be vigilant and stay informed about the policies and practices of law enforcement. Racism and other forms of discrimination won't disappear on their own. It will take planning and action.

1. Ask for clarification (that is, ask questions) if needed.

2. Based on what your classmate wrote, add your own personal perspective to what they had discussed.