Share your Thoughts...

Because we were not able to share our experiences of our group blogs with one another in class, I would love to give you the opportunity to do so here.  Which affected you, taught you the most? Why? Which of your postings meant the most to you?

Social Death

It is my pleasure to post our final blog!! The semester has come to an end, and what better way to wrap up and connect such profound topics than to read Lisa Marie Cacho book Social Death.
In the introduction of the book, Cacho states that, "race, gender, and sexuality are ways of knowing that make sense of social reality in the United States." (Cacho, 2) We come to find this to be true, especially with stereotypes, privilege, and discrimination being the bases of social death. Instead of analyzing the question, "How social reality and social death is constructed?", there should be a need to work toward diminishing these issues. How can we overcome social death?

I was unable to attend the workshop with Eli Clare, but was informed of the great lecture and important topics he discussed in relations to the class and this weeks reading on social justice. I did have the chance to attend the Last Lecture and hear Dr. Robin Boylorn give an awesome presentation in regards to diversity. In her lecture, Dr. Boylorn explained how as humans if we stopped trying to resist what we don't inherently know about a person and resist against hegemony then we can work toward achieving diversity.

As we all know, diversity is far more than just race, but is a combination of many identities and common characteristic discussed in the class thus far. It is often that we don't think about how we are different from others, but yet how they are different from us. In hopes that we have all come to better understand issues of race, gender, class, privilege, disabilities, and misconceptions I have posted a link below showing the power of embracing diversity.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ5e6cwxA9M

Does the Melting Pot Have Privilege?

Our discussions of mixing, misconceptions, white privilege here and abroad, and the politics that coincide with all of these caused my attention to be drawn to some interesting articles from National Geographic and The Huffington Post. They take a look at the visually changing categories of race and identity and ask the question, "What does the average American really look like?" There are changing combinations of facial features and hair types carried further with each generation. They are very interesting articles with equally interesting and "real" photos. The topic of racial ambiguity has been present since the earlier units of our class and continues to be relevant even now.
 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/01/national-geographic-changing-face-of-america-photos_n_4024415.html

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/changing-faces/funderburg-text

What would happen if (or when) the members of the melting pot became the dominant racial category in America? It is entirely plausible that, in time, this could happen. There would be changes in advertising and other forms of marketing. We would walk more of a blurred line in our dealings with one another. All of the medical information based on racial categorization would not be as specifically applicable in a racially blended society. All of this is very interesting, but an  intriguing question is one that concerns privilege. Would white privilege die out without white dominance or would that privilege carry over to the new dominant group? We have spent a lot of time looking at how white privilege operates in the US. Perhaps, on our own turf, privilege would simply fade into equality, and we would see the fabulous results of what we have been hoping would eventually occur. However, our interaction with other humans is not limited to our continent.

The movie Babel showed us how white privilege acts outside of American boundaries. Real life stories in the media alert us when white journalists, businessmen, or politicians are abducted or killed. If the US was no longer predominantly white, white "Americans" may be seen as an even more valued and endangered species. They might find an even higher price on their head while traveling abroad (even if privilege was still on their side) because of their limited numbers. Could the new majority then travel without many of the worries of safety because of their racial ambiguity? I've heard quite a few people over the years brag about "American" privilege. Being from America makes you special and "we" dominate the world.......
But without whiteness, would all of us cease to be special?

We've discussed being black and visiting Jamaica as opposed to being black and living in Jamaica. We all seem to assume some amount of American privilege regardless of racial affiliations. So what then does equality truly mean to America? Do we really want it or do we want privilege? Can privilege exist without white faces to anchor it; especially if, abroad, Americans come to represent "just another ethnic face?"

'Murica

In “The Politics of Mothering,” Nora Murad discusses mixed families and the different contexts and situations where variations in cultures, societies, and identities affect people and families with blended races, religions, and nationalities. Murad provides an autoethnography concerning her experiences of mothering in an American-Jewish and Palestinian-Muslim family. Clearly, Murad’s families (her husband’s and her own) have experienced life, religious practices, values, etc. in various manners.  The most compelling and interesting account occurs within the context of their American community after 9/11. Patriotism and American values became intertwined and dominate in American society, and Murad recounts an incident at her daughter's school. Her daughter was required to complete an art project that involved the U.S. flag. Murad writes, “To me, the U.S. flag is a symbol of war and hypocrisy and misplaced patriotism for a national entity when loyalty to humanity is called for” (498). From our privileged American positions, we can find it difficult to comprehend why someone else could view the U.S. flag differently than we do. The U.S. supports Israel’s illegal, military occupation of Palestine (this is debated). The U.S. is involved in numerous military actions in many Muslim nations which result in deadly consequences for Arab/Muslim people. (The Arab-Israeli conflict is complicated, and I am no expert). But the fact that others have different views and beliefs should not open them up to discrimination or violence. 

Murad recalls the psychologists her daughter's school provided to speak to the families about the effects of 9/11 on their children. The focus was on American children with no regard to Arab or Muslim families for whom the threat of military action in the Middle East was very real. Murad recalls feeling judged unfavorably for teaching her children about their Arab identities. She writes, “They implied I had unnecessarily ‘outed’ my children as Arabs for my own political ends. Whites teach their White children who they are and that’s neutral, but I teach my children they are Arab and that’s political” (498). I think we can see this situation played out in several different contexts with varying content. Why is Murad accused of politicizing her beliefs? Because her views differ from dominant society’s. Are there other instances where this occurs for other communities? Can American patriotism and American values be oppressive?

"You know where it ends, though it usually depends on where you start."

There is a song that was popular in the 90’s. One of the lines from the end of the song is, “You know where it ends, though it usually depends on where you start”. This is relatable to the world in general. It is myth to say that everyone can accomplish the same things in life if they work hard enough. This is an American made myth. “We” as Americans often try to apply this myth to other situations around the globe. I have personally heard people say “the reason all of those people live in poverty like that is because they don’t want to do any better.” 

After I walked away for a while so that I could count to ten (before I went to jail for assault), we began a discussion about the chain of poverty. We hear and see things all the time that prove that generational poverty does exist. Then, I went on to that the root is education. It takes money to educate people. When people are educated, they know more about how to take care of their bodies. When people are properly educated, acts of pure hate and discrimination are less likely to happen. When people are educated, society sees themselves as useful. When people are educated, they feel better about themselves and feel inspired. When people feel inspired, movements and revolutions happen.

Unfortunately, the situation in Haiti begins with who controls the money. The current government structure that is in place is designed to keep its people oppressed. But not necessarily designed by the leaders of that nation, but by the rest of the world. The way the Dominican Republic and the rest of the world views places like Haiti is what causes these types of violence. It seems that the rest of the world thinks that places like Haiti just want a hand out. I don’t think that is the case. I think they just want a fighting chance. It is going to take a large movement of transforming the mindset of the people of Haiti, and then it will be an uphill battle. These people can break the mold of generational poverty, its just not as easy as it sounds.

I found this article while doing a bit of research on the Haitian earthquake of . According to the article, a lawsuit has been filed against the UN claiming peacekeepers are responsible for a deadly outbreak of cholera. The class-action suit is the largest ever filed against the UN.

http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/03/11/haiti-cholera-victims-file-new-lawsuit-against-un

According to Google tourist is defined as a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure. I believe the book really breaks down this concept of what does it really mean to be a tourist. In who's pain are you smiling and taking pictures in. I like how Kincaid points out that a tourist visits to escape the boredom of their own, ordinary lives. This is essentially saying a lot. Often times people would like to escape from their crazy world, yet are unable to because of lack of availability or finacinal reasoning. Yet, there are so many of us that when we get tired with our everyday life or need a get away, we are able to do so freely. Until this concept of the ugliness of tourism I never really understood how me being a tourist and choosing to get away, how it appears to others in the area in which I'm touring. They may look to me with envy or hope wishing to be able to be in my place. Kincaid also points out that tourist often make the lesser poorer apart of their pleasure.       This example made me think of myself and my short amount of time in New Orleans. Though let me first say that I know that everyone that stands on the streets of New Orleans trying to earn an extra dollar aren't always poor as they seem, but in the meantime let's talk about the honest people that really need to earn more money. So many times in New Orleans, I often took videos and pictures of and with those people that were on the street dancing or singing in hopes that the many tourist would add a few dimes in their pocket. Never once did I think of how the street performs may have looked to me and if they did or did not wish to be in my place to be able to get away from my college days and to take a small trip to New Orleans with friends.       Furthermore I enjoyed our conversation in class discussion, how being a tourist you often don't see the bad parts of the location that you choose to spend your time in. I cannot remember if we talked about it in class or not, but it reminds of the filter bubble. To, as a tourist, literally take yourself out of your environment and to visit a beautiful location and to be aware of those bad locations in your vacation area but choosing not to acknowledge says a lot as well. After reading A Small Place, it really does show how tourism is truly an ugly thing.  

Thoughts?

http://shine.forharriet.com/2014/03/anyone-who-wants-to-call-themselves.html

Beauty and Blackness

Oscar Winner Lupita on "Beauty

Class Matters

The movement up the economic ladder is the desire that lies in the heart of those seeking the American dream, but it doesn't happen as easy or as often as many think that it should. The American dream is lessened by opportunity. Class can be harder to spot than racial or ethnic differences, but in many ways it's the most common predictor of what kind of financial and educational opportunities someone can have in life.

In agreement with Bell Hooks, class seems to be one of the hardest subjects to talk about today in society, especially with the myth of meritocracy. There are many perceptions about who belongs where on the social scale which is quite problematic. How does education, attitude, and even appearance mark someone as a member of a particular class? There are many class oppressions present in society today and majority of Americans are uncertain as  to where they stand.

(Social Class in America- Tammy's Story )
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynytMj2tamQ 

Debunking Myths

An Economist debunks 3 Anti-Immigration Myths

Undocumented

Your classmate Priscilla's brother made this film as part of the Documenting Justice series.  She agreed to allow me to share it with your blog group as well!
Undocumented-Carlos Estrada

A Girl Like Me

I was unable to show this in class...during our discussion of Privilege and Microaggressions
A Girl Like Me

The Word that is Never to be Spoken?

There's a long used saying that " sticks and stones can break my bones,  but words can never hurt me." Quite possibly, that is solely dependant on the individual,  and some people are hurt by words, because that is the way we communicate what we are feeling. We have covered some pretty intense topics and spoke quite openly about them. I don't intend to stop that trend today, but I would like to approach my topic from a lighter angle.

 I have included a 5 min video clip from the Dave Chapelle Show. Many of you are probably familiar with his comedy. He often used controversial and taboo topics in his skits, and people of all races were completely drawn into it. It was almost liberating, in a sense, to see these topics addressed outside of debate or political forum.  This short clip is called "The Niggar Family" (spelled with an 'ar', pronounced the same) and the Family  happens to be white. Niggar is their last name. He even reintroduces the tension at the end of the video.  I think it brings attention to the fact that words sometimes only possess the power that "we" give them over us. One you tuber commented that when a word no longer defines you, it ceases to be offensive.

However, I know people who feel just the opposite. I even have a relative that says no one should ever use the "n" word. Ever. I can't say that trying to irradicate it from language will acheive anything. It is a part of our american history, and will likely never be forgotten. Censoring it from speech will only succeed to lock in the negative connotations associated with its use. I do think that the "n" word, even when used derogitorily, is not worth the vailidation of an aggressive or militant response. I hope you enjoy the video, and I'm really looking forward to your comments.

http://youtube/-17JJChM6IQ

Free to Be Who You Are

I recently read an article titled "Biracial, and also black" written by Martha Jones, a professor at the University of Michigan. The article can be found on Cnn.com along with a slideshow of 26 famous people who are also biracial such as Frederick Douglas, Bob Marley, and Slash of Guns and Roses. I will attempt to add a link. Keep your fingers crossed.
Biracial, and also black

In her article, Jones discusses the one-drop rule and what it had meant to her until she saw a change of self perception in her students. I feel that this article ties into our class discussions about white privilege, slavery, and racial discrimination in a relevent way. Since the majority rules, no one gets to dictate who they are, but the minority has no such luxury. I think that it can be hard for people to understand that  a person of mixed heritage really belongs in a category all their own and that being pressured to make a choice constitutes giving up a part of yourself, or at the very least, hiding it. I have always checked 2 boxes, even when I was gotten onto for doing so. Gradually, I see changes in that I am more often offered a box that allows me to indicate who I truly am in a way that allows me to represent both sides of myself.

This is a changing society, and Jone's article serves as proof of that. Although negative attitudes in regards to race still persist, each generation is further educated to the detriment of those attitudes. I hope for the sake of my children and all those after us that discrimination will eventually be irradicated in our society. It would be quite an advancement if people were able to see more similarities than differences when they face one another.

Allies, privileges, and mistakes

The term “ally” has been thrown about quite a bit lately in relation to social justice movements, such as LGBTQ+, anti-racists, economic justice, etc. What truly makes an individual an ally? There is a clear distinction between merely being supportive and acting as an ally.  One can be supportive and want someone to succeed without having to stand with that person publically. 

I personally believe one of the most important actions an ally can take is not to speak for an individual or group, instead speak with—there’s a difference. This past week’s reading touched on “The White Savior” role many allies can take on, perhaps at times, unintentionally.  Don’t assume you know what is best or fully understand issues or discriminations others may be facing.  Communication and an honest evaluation of one's position are important for allies. Mistakes will be made, but that is part of the process. Don’t be afraid to ask. It is better to ask in embarrassment than to hurt or disrespect in ignorance. 

The following read is not a comprehensive “how-to” on becoming an ally, but an important take on privileged allies. It touches more, well, brusquely on the topic of allies’ mistakes. An excerpt from the link attached below: 

If you are a person of privilege who recognizes the reality of this imbalance and strives to make your community a more accessible and welcoming place to those who aren’t as privileged, you might identify yourself as an ally.

You are wrong.

http://www.southernfriedscience.com/?p=16054

 

The Power of the Privileged

Describing class and white privilege makes one group newly acoountable. As a level of power, many may ask how can I lessen or even end it? Most class oppressiveness is unconscious. When one is oblivious about its existence, it makes it that much challenging for them to see how could they be an oppressor toward what they may see as general success. The notion that everyone can just pull themselves up by their bootstraps, in hopes of acquiring all that life has to offer, is false. If one lacks the foundation and resources to do so how is this possible?


http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2012/10/list-of-upperclass-privilege/

White Privilege in NASCAR

First I will start by saying that I am an enormous NASCAR fan. I love to read about and study the history, culture and those odd chain of event circumstances. I love the cars and the sounds and the smells of burning rubber and fuel. But I have never been a fan of the stigmas that comes with the term "NASCAR fan". As soon as I tell someone that I am a fan, you can imagine many of the assumptions that come with that. I was reading a book called, Sport, Spectacle, and NASCAR Nation: Consumption and the Cultural Politics of Neoliberalism, when I came across a sentence that really turned some gears (pun intended). "Whiteness in the United States can be understood largely through the social consequences that it provides for those who are considered to be non-white."(98) We all know that.

Wendell Scott, from Danville, Virginia, was the first African American to race and NASCAR's top level and(in 1964) the first to win a race. There were, of course, people that were not pleased with the fact that he even raced amongst them. Then there were those who were willing to help him and his very small and underfunded race team. He never had the nice expensive cars that would have enabled him to show his true talent. Sponsors and many car owners helped him along the way, but it was difficult for them to put their full support in him due to the social climate of the time. White privilege. They didn't have to help. The companies and owners were better off staying away from him instead of risking the public backlash. Even more sad was the fact that many drivers and fans alike didn't really see him as a person. They saw him more as a side attraction. "A black man driving that car. Who woulda thunk?"

Despite all of the objections and obstacles, Wendell Scott came away with a pretty healthy stat sheet at the end of his career. His one win would not go into the record books without controversy though. It took 2 hours after the race for him to convince them that he was the winner. Another African American would not win in any of NASCAR's top 3 series' until 2013.

Darrell Wallace Jr. from Mobile, Alabama broke the color barrier for the first time in nearly 50 years. (Side note: One of the most interesting things is that Wallace won in Martinsville, Virginia, which is only 27 miles away from Scott's hometown.) So, does this mean that white privilege had been wiped way in NASCAR? Possibly. Some analysts argue that it is more of a class privilege simply because of how much money it cost to get into racing even at the lower levels. But to it seems that it would be difficult to spark interest in people that have no vested interest in a sport. Okay so we have a black driver. Cool. We have a few women. Cool. Whats next? How do we get the sponsors that would interest other types of people to see the value in the sport. It is getting better, but still has quite a long ways to go.

Great article on Salon today. It's not too long and touches on the incident with Oklahoma State player Marcus Smart, as well, as tying in the just-missed debacle of the Zimmerman/DMX boxing match.

We all want recognition as human beings. The problem: Only one group can force its desires on the rest of us.

Brittney Cooper


http://www.salon.com/2014/02/11/the_vile_pain_of_racial_taunts_marcus_smart_dmx_and_white_supremacys_sick_power/

"Unacceptable" Hair

In Mark Smith’s book, How Race is Made, the reader is presented with an observer of Southern race relations thoughts that Blacks “wanted to look white—have straighter hair” (100). Whiteness set the standard, and efforts to “become” middle-class (read: White), coupled with the recognition of Blacks as consumers, created a market, as well as an avenue, for Blacks to obtain hair straightening products. The texture of one’s hair could be altered to silky, soft and more “white, thus undermining a commonly held white stereotype about the natural coarseness of black hair” (101).  

The texture of Black hair is used to further the false ideas of inferiority. Whites employment of this racist belief is not surprising, considering the many other racist sensory experiences determined substandard. And Blacks “who did not wish to ‘whiten,’ and were proud of their looks, were often the target of criticism” (100).  Sadly, that criticism and discrimination is observable today.

For example, young Tiana Parker was removed from her school for having dreadlocks. The schools policy states that dreadlocks, mohawks, and afros are not allowed and considered distracting. Tiana is accused of being a distraction. This happened in September 2013 and smacks of the racist logic from the Jim Crow South Smith presents in his book. 

A similar story is that of Vanessa Van Dyke. A young girl threatened with expulsion from her school for wearing her natural hair in a “distracting” manner-- just this past November. "Distracting" is beginning to remind me of a word Smith highlights: "crowding."

The history of race and its construction through the senses has affected the way society operates today. The current state of race relations in the U.S. has improved, but there is still work to be done. I would like to end on a positive note from one of my favorites, Mellisa Harris Perry. Her message to Tiana Parker, and other girls with hair deemed 'unacceptable,' is uplifting, inspiring, and one that needs to be heard.

How Race is Made Through Senses

Race and prejudice is a hot topic in this nation and it seems that it always will be. People all around the world continue to be judged based on preconceived notions that have been passed down through generations. To understand why this happens, we must take a look at what exactly causes people to assume these terrible things. Mark Smith, (whether you agree with his style or not) definitely brings a different perspective to the table. Studying his work on how the former slaveholders used senses to determine race and who was "inferior" can be tough to analyze, critique and overall a hard pill to swallow. So… here goes nothing.

As previously mentioned, slaveholders used their senses to attempt to keep control of workers. According to Smith, they would use their sight (obviously) to see what the workers were doing but to also help judge how healthy they were. He gives an example of how one slave had gained a little weight and had particularly oily skin. This led the master to believe that he had been eating "good meat". Smith spends a tremendous amount of time on smell and the stigmas that are placed on it. If a person if forced to work in the hot sun for endless days without being able to bathe or wash their clothes, then they are obviously going to possess an offensive odor.

It is no secret that most slaves were not allowed to learn, to read, or become educated in any way. Therefore, if the race of a person was ever in question, the white people could often tell if the person was an escaped slave or a free person. I remember hearing another example from a previous class that helped the slave traders determine who was to be brought to the U.S. The traders would lick their sweat. Yes, lick sweat. They would do this to judge the salt content in their bodies to help determine if the person could survive the long trip. (the more salt content the more likely they were to survive.)

Whites, that first saw the Africans, quickly noticed that their senses were much better than their own. In general, the Africans could see farther, distinguish sounds better, smell better and feel much more accurately. According to Smith, this led the whites of the day to see these enhanced senses as "animalistic". Much like the Sarah Bartman piece explains, they believed that anything outside the white mindset was inferior. I personally believe that the whites took this as a threat. They saw that another type of people were better at virtually everything that comes naturally to humans. It seems that the white people thought they could not trust the African natives because they may use their senses to retrieve information faster. I believe that they were afraid and egos became a big player in the situation. 

Venus Noire - The Story of Sarah Baartman

Headlining Act

 

Can you imagine being so different from others that they began to define you as a "new species"? This way of thinking was Sarah Baartman's life. What is so fascinating about the word difference is that in order for something to be classified as not similar or unlike something else, there most be a standard. By standard I mean there most be an ideal in which one is comparing something to. What or who was this ideal standard that Sarah Baartman was being compared to?

As scientist began to analyze Baartman’s naked body her entire being astonished them. Her large breast, thighs, buttocks, vagina, etc. were all “different” than the White female naked bodies they were use to seeing.  Because to the scientist this woman body was so strange, they finally came to their own conclusion that she could not possibly be a human but some animalistic type of creature. Studied vigorously by scientist, she was often described as the “missing link” between humans and apes. Scientist studied her shape of her skull, her genital, and the flow of her menstrual cycle. To make matters worse, Baartman was put into acts and circuses being made to dance naked and have on-lookers glare at her body as if she was an alien. And not only were spectators allowed to look at her body but even touch her buttocks and genitals as if it was a type of game to see who was the bravest in the audience. How does one possibly have dignity while those that consider themselves superior point and laugh?

I could not imagine all the thoughts that might have been going in Sarah Baartman’s mind during these moments on and off stage. I think reading Anne- Fausto Sterling’s articles entitled Gender, Race, and Nation made me think of Social Darwinism as nothing but a study of differences. However not just studying differences in a good way, but a classification of differences in a manner and underlining hatred for that, that is not “normal.”

Overall I think the story of Sarah Baartman tells us about the social relations of a particular historical time. I think that it tells that because of a group claiming to be superior everything that was done or appeared outside of that cultural norm was seen as something that was foreign. It is also telling that those apart of the superior group deemed their way of life as the only way and if another group of individuals exhibit a different way of viewing the world then that group must not be barbaric. To explain what I am trying to express and make sure it makes more sense, I will explain in a brief example. It is like telling two children to solve a division problem in math and to show their work. If I see that both children have answered the problem correctly, yet one child did a different method than the method that I know, and after looking at this different method I say that child is wrong not because of the answer but because of how they got the answer then what I am really criticizing? The child or their way of thinking? I know that was a crazy way of explaining it, but that is how I describe the social relations during that time period.

After reading Lila Abu-Lughod's "Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?" I was reminded of this image I came across a few weeks ago. Just wanted to share!