Exploring Race Racism Education and Advocacy

As part of developing your racial justice literacy through this course, it is important to take inventory of what you know and how you learned it. Reflecting on your existing ideas and attitudes on race and racism along with the sources of your information (archaeology of self and information literacy) will help you better be able to identify the multiple ways that you encounter and engage with racial knowledge. It’s a starting point for you to consider what you think you know about race in relation to the various definitions and concepts that we will explore in the course. Critical self-reflection is a key component to thinking critically about race and building your literacy around it.

Please respond to the following prompts in your own words and feel free to provide examples (Do not provide dictionary definitions):

Aim for at least 300 words total for you initial post. I especially want you to develop thoughtful and detailed responses to #3-5.

What is race?
What is racism?
How have you learned about race and racism throughout your life?

Think about the ways that people, places, education, media, and culture have shaped your present understanding.

How do you feel about talking about race and racism and why is that so?
What are some values and communication behaviors that you feel would promote a safe, respectful, constructive, collaborative, humanizing, and accountable environment for discussing race and racism?

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What is education and what is its purpose in society?
Do you feel that your education was/is relevant to your background, needs, and goals?
After reviewing the material on the history of ethnic studies, what stood out to you regarding the student/struggles of 1968 and 1999?
In what ways have you taken action or can you envision advocating for issues that impact you and believe in? It can be something that directly impacts you and your community or solidarity with another.

Answer

What is race?

Race is a social construct used to categorize people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It is a concept created by society rather than a biological reality, often leading to the unfair treatment and discrimination of certain racial groups.

What is racism?

Racism is a system of power and privilege based on race, where one group holds social, economic, and political dominance over others. It manifests through prejudice, discrimination, and unequal treatment directed towards individuals or groups perceived as inferior due to their race.

How have you learned about race and racism throughout your life?

I have learned about race and racism through various channels, including family upbringing, formal education, media portrayal, and personal experiences. Growing up, my family instilled certain racial biases or stereotypes, which were reinforced by societal norms and cultural influences. In school, history lessons and literature often highlighted racial injustices and struggles, providing some awareness of systemic racism. Media representation and news coverage also shaped my understanding of race and racism, sometimes perpetuating stereotypes or biases.

How do you feel about talking about race and racism and why is that so?

Talking about race and racism can evoke a range of emotions, including discomfort, fear, guilt, and frustration. These feelings stem from societal taboos, fear of saying the wrong thing, or concerns about facing backlash or rejection. Additionally, discussing race and racism requires confronting uncomfortable truths about systemic inequalities and personal biases, which can be challenging for individuals.

What are some values and communication behaviors that you feel would promote a safe, respectful, constructive, collaborative, humanizing, and accountable environment for discussing race and racism?

Some values and communication behaviors that can foster a positive environment for discussing race and racism include empathy, active listening, openness to different perspectives, humility, and willingness to learn and unlearn. It is essential to create a space where individuals feel heard, respected, and valued, allowing for honest dialogue and constructive engagement. Additionally, accountability for one’s words and actions, along with a commitment to challenging and dismantling racist structures, are crucial for meaningful conversations about race.

What is education and what is its purpose in society?

Education is a systematic process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs through formal instruction or informal learning experiences. Its purpose in society is to empower individuals, promote social mobility, foster critical thinking, and cultivate informed citizens capable of contributing positively to their communities.

Do you feel that your education was/is relevant to your background, needs, and goals?

Reflecting on my education, I recognize that while it provided valuable knowledge and skills, there were gaps in addressing diverse perspectives and experiences, particularly related to race and cultural diversity. My education could have been more relevant to my background, needs, and goals by incorporating multicultural curriculum, promoting inclusive environments, and addressing systemic inequalities.

After reviewing the material on the history of ethnic studies, what stood out to you regarding the student struggles of 1968 and 1999?

The student struggles of 1968 and 1999 highlighted the importance of ethnic studies as a tool for challenging dominant narratives, advocating for representation, and fostering empowerment among marginalized communities. These movements demonstrated the resilience and determination of students to demand curriculum reforms that reflect their histories, experiences, and contributions to society.

In what ways have you taken action or can you envision advocating for issues that impact you and believe in?

I have taken action by participating in community events, engaging in discussions on social media, and supporting organizations and initiatives focused on racial justice, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, I envision advocating for issues through grassroots organizing, coalition-building, lobbying policymakers, and promoting awareness through art, education, and storytelling. My advocacy efforts aim to address systemic injustices, amplify marginalized voices, and create meaningful change in society.