Reference no: EM132453376

Question

Question 1. What are racial narratives and how do you evaluate the extent to which racial narratives help to perpetuate racial inequalities? Using Imani Perry's discussion on racial narratives as a guide, identity a few examples of the impact of racial narratives. Give a critical evaluation of the examples you cite to make a case for or against the impact of racial narratives.

Question 2. What do you understand by "controlling images" as applied to the portrayal of race in popular culture or in the mass media? Identify some examples of controlling categories and discuss the way controlling categories influence ideas about race? Assess the extent to which the dismantling of controlling categories would better inform racial narratives, if any at all? (See chapter 3 of Race in Society).

Question 3. Zionism and Pan-Africanism are examples of nationalistic discourses that draw upon racialized stereotypes. Discuss the extent to which the above statement is true in relation to either Herzl's articulation of Zionism or Garvey's presentation of Pan-Africanism. Do a close reading of either text to make your point. Identify specific examples of stereotypes in making your assessment.

Question 4. Arguably the age of European discovery, that is, European travels to "exotic" lands such as Africa set the foundation for race distinction and racism. To what extent is this statement true? Did early Europeans have any notion of race and race distinction? Draw upon Winthrop Jordon's essay to help you evaluate this point.

Question 5. Discuss the extent to which notions of the USA as a post-racial society and how the idea of post-raciality contribute to the perpetuation of racial discrimination, racism and/or racial inequalities. Use several examples, current or historical, to make your case.

Question 6. What is colonialism and how does it relate to notions of race in the Americas? Use the case of Haiti and the Dominican Republic to explore the lingering impact of colonialism on race consciousness.

Question 7. Several 19th and 20th century African American thinkers held the view that up to the turn of the 20th century, blacks, as a civilization, have contributed nothing significant to the world. DuBois makes this claim in his essay on the "Conservation of the Races." How does Du Bois make his argument and why does he feel justified in making it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Du Bois. Support your stance with examples.

Question 8. Racial uplift is often tied to social and economic uplift. It is often felt that the success of the "race" depends on the ability of every member of the racial group to "act right." Closely examining Maria Stewart's 1833 address or Marcus Garvey's "I am a Negro" speech, discuss how either Stewart or Garvey present their idea of racial uplift. After outlining how either Stewart or Garvey articulates the notion of racial uplift, critically assess how Stewart or Garvey presents the upliftment of the black race. What aspects do you agree with? What aspects do you disagree with? How applicable is either idea of racial uplift to America today?