"The academy is not paradise. But learning is a place where paradise can be created."
-bell hooks
In class, we are going to read "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," and your reflection paper will be a response to this narrative. What can we do in a classroom setting to draw attention to some of the inequities that Peggy McIntosh brings up? Write your own manifesto on the role race can, can't and should play in the classroom.
I'd like for you to reflect on the experiences you've had with race in your life and over the course of the last couple of semesters you've had at school. Some questions you may ask yourself are: How do conversations about race usually go with your friends? Do you ever feel that the experiences you have match the way race is discussed? Are we able to discuss it in a refreshing way, or do we always say the same things? Are there dangers to discussing race? Is it possible to agree? What isn't being said? What would happen if certain things did get said? How does it feel to disagree on issues about race in class? What is a productive way to integrate discussions about race into social and academic settings? What were some problematic or memorable conversations in class this semester? Are there any topics you'd like to continue dissecting after the class is over? What would you do if you were going to make race a topic in a class you planned to teach?
I'd love to take some of your responses to the department to let them know your opinions on how classes involving race and ethnicity function in a university context. Given the recent Ethnic Studies Ban enacted for Arizona high schools, this is a hot topic and your feedback is invaluable. Your final for this class is due Wednesday, May 4th, the last day of class. You cannot pass the class without completing this assignment.
800 words
Times New Roman Font
Double Spaced
Due in class on May 4th
100 pts
(**Bring food if you want! We can have a mini-party).
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