Deck 12: Postcolonial Theory and Race

Question 1

Re-read the chapter's section discussing the sociological definitions of race and racism (pp. ). Which particular conceptualization or dimension of race seems to make the most sociological sense to you given the historical and social context of race relations in your neighborhood/school/community? Outline and discuss the reasons for your opinion.

Answer 1

After re-reading the chapter's section on the sociological definitions of race and racism, the particular conceptualization or dimension of race that seems to make the most sociological sense to me given the historical and social context of race relations in my neighborhood/school/community is the idea of race as a social construct.

The concept of race as a social construct resonates with me because it acknowledges that race is not a biological or genetic reality, but rather a product of social and historical processes. This perspective recognizes that the categories of race and the meanings attached to them have been shaped by social, political, and economic forces over time. In my neighborhood/school/community, I have witnessed how racial categories have been used to justify discrimination, inequality, and power dynamics. This understanding of race as a social construct helps to explain the complexities and nuances of race relations in my environment.

Furthermore, this conceptualization of race aligns with the experiences of individuals who may not fit neatly into traditional racial categories or who may identify with multiple racial or ethnic backgrounds. It allows for a more inclusive and fluid understanding of race that reflects the diversity and complexity of human experiences.

In addition, the idea of race as a social construct also highlights the importance of examining the intersections of race with other social categories such as class, gender, and sexuality. This perspective encourages a more holistic understanding of how race operates within larger systems of inequality and oppression.

Overall, the concept of race as a social construct makes the most sociological sense to me given the historical and social context of race relations in my neighborhood/school/community because it provides a framework for understanding the complexities of race and racism, and it allows for a more inclusive and nuanced analysis of the dynamics of power and inequality.

Question 2

Part of the vibrancy of pop culture comes from the fact that it reflects local everyday realities. Identify the current top 3 best-selling hip-hop music videos. Outline the specific themes (e.g., economic inequality, sexism, police harassment, consumption, etc.) that are evident in these songs/videos? Assess the extent to which the themes or some of their moments variously portray positive and/or negative messages for black (or other racial minority) empowerment. Discuss and explain the reasons for your evaluation.

Answer 2

As of the current date, the top 3 best-selling hip-hop music videos are "WAP" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, "Savage Remix" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé, and "Rockstar" by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch.

In "WAP" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, the theme of female empowerment and sexual liberation is evident. The song and video celebrate female sexuality and agency, challenging traditional gender norms and promoting self-expression. However, some critics argue that the song also perpetuates negative stereotypes about women and hypersexualization.

"Savage Remix" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé also promotes female empowerment and self-confidence. The song and video highlight themes of resilience, strength, and success, particularly in the face of adversity. However, some critics argue that the song also perpetuates materialism and consumerism.

In "Rockstar" by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch, the theme of perseverance and overcoming obstacles is evident. The song and video address issues of violence, poverty, and systemic injustice, portraying a message of resilience and determination. However, some critics argue that the song also glorifies violence and criminal behavior.

In terms of black (or other racial minority) empowerment, these songs and videos can be seen as both positive and negative. On one hand, they celebrate and uplift black voices, experiences, and culture, providing a platform for self-expression and empowerment. On the other hand, they can also perpetuate negative stereotypes and harmful behaviors, potentially reinforcing systemic inequalities and injustices.

Ultimately, the evaluation of these themes and messages depends on individual perspectives and interpretations. It is important to consider the complex and multifaceted nature of pop culture and hip-hop music, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of their portrayal of black (or other racial minority) empowerment.

Question 3

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-Identify and assess the extent to which color lines are evident in your college and/or local community. Discuss their manifestation(s) (if any), and the various reasons why you think color lines persist locally and in the broader society.

Answer 3

In my college and local community, color lines are evident in various ways, such as segregated social groups, disparities in educational and economic opportunities, and unequal treatment by authorities. These manifestations of color lines persist due to historical and systemic racism, implicit biases, and the perpetuation of stereotypes. Additionally, the lack of diverse representation in positions of power and influence contributes to the persistence of color lines in both the local community and broader society.

Question 4

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-What colonial processes contribute to the making of a cultural Other?

Question 5

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-Identify and discuss two elements in, or dimensions of, racism.

Question 6

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-Discuss one important way in which slavery served the development of capitalism.

Question 7

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-What does Gilroy mean by his statement that "There is no black in the Union Jack." Is this changing?

Question 8

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-What, for Cornel West, does the "politics of conversion" require? How can existing opportunities and procedures facilitate this?

Question 9

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-Discuss what "Southern theory" entails. And assess what obstacles it may encounter in becoming a part of mainstream sociology.

Question 10

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.

-Contrast one implication, respectively, of "acting white" and of "acting black."

Question 11

According to Du Bois, the problem of the 20^th century is the problem of:

A) The culture line
B) The color line
C) The conflict line
D) The class line

Question 12

According to Anderson, one of the implications of a color-coding society is that:

A) Police are more likely to be black
B) Police are more likely to harass young males, irrespective of race
C) Police are more likely to harass young black males in particular
D) Police avoid patrolling black neighborhoods

Question 13

Which of the following historical processes are relevant to the understanding of racial inequality?

A) Slavery
B) Colonialism
C) Apartheid
D) All of the above

Question 14

According to Edward Said, one of the implications of colonialism is:

A) The diffusion of Eastern (Oriental) literature and art in the West
B) The increased appreciation of Westerners for Eastern culture
C) The representation of the East as a culturally different Other
D) The narrowing of global cultural differences

Question 15

Colonial relationships are relationships based on:

A) Convergent political interests
B) Unequal power
C) Shared value commitments
D) Cultural exchange

Question 16

To represent any race/group/culture as Other is to categorize them as:

A) Different but equal
B) Different and inferior
C) Different and superior
D) Not really different

Question 17

Frantz Fanon described his everyday experiences of blackness as a:

A) Battered-down identity
B) Culturally empowering identity
C) Respected identity
D) Normal identity

Question 18

Racism can be understood as:

A) Something that persists but changes over time
B) An institutionalized system of economic, political and cultural inequality
C) A system of social oppression linked to biological characteristics
D) All of the above

Question 19

To say that white people are "colored white," is to underscore that:

A) White people live racially structured lives
B) Whiteness as a racial category has a social and historical context
C) White people have a taken-for-granted, privileged structural location
D) All of the above

Question 20

According to Stuart Hall, cultural identity:

A) Is historically fixed
B) Actively engages with the past and the present
C) Is independent of power relations
D) Revolves around shared values

Question 21

Slavery, as a result of its stripping of individuals' family identity and their community and cultural ties, can according to Orlando Patterson, be thought of as:

A) Social death
B) Social dislocation
C) Social disempowerment
D) Social domination

Question 22

In the contemporary U.S., according to Wilson:

A) Race is more important than class in determining blacks' economic success
B) There is a growing divide between the black middle-class and the black underclass
C) The intersection of race and class determines blacks' economic success
D) b and c

Question 23

According to Patillo's analysis of U.S. Census data, middle class blacks and middle class whites live in neighborhoods characterized by similar levels of educational attainment, unemployment, poverty, and crime.

Question 24

The "politics of conversion" emphasizes the need for blacks to:

A) Recognize the problems that characterize black communities
B) Engage in local, grassroots political activism
C) Form political alliances with other disadvantaged groups
D) All of the above

Question 25

"Acting white" is a term used to:

A) Encourage black students to have the same achievement values as white students
B) Describe the economic success of black rappers
C) Denigrate black students who work hard in school
D) Underscore that white people are colored white

Question 26

According to Gilroy, the glamorous representation of blacks in advertising and consumer culture:

A) Demonstrates the equality of blacks and whites
B) Suppresses differences in race-based inequality
C) Provides positive role models for young black men and women
D) Has no relevance to debates about race and culture

Question 27

The "new racism" is based on ideas that affirm:

A) Biological differences among races
B) The intellectual superiority of whites
C) Cultural separateness of different races
D) The irrelevance of genetics in determining life-outcomes

Question 28

Discoveries in new genetic technology will most likely:

A) Clarify the biological purity of distinct racial groups
B) Help people to trace the race-composition of their family roots
C) Establish the irrelevance of race as a source of cultural difference
D) Establish biological rather than cultural history as the most significant determinant of racial identity

Question 29

The crisis of raciology refers to the:

A) Blurring of racial boundaries in everyday culture
B) Lack of economic/class-consciousness among blacks
C) Higher suicide rates of black compared to white youth
D) The generational shift in black political leadership

Question 30

Gilroy's vision of a planetary humanism imagines a world in which:

A) Blacks will benefit from racial hierarchies
B) Cultural divisions among blacks will disappear
C) Race and other group differences will not be socially divisive
D) Racial identity will be a source of tight group solidarity

Question 31

As a result of the many gains that blacks have made over the last 40 years, most black scholars would argue that:

A) Affirmative action policies for blacks are no longer necessary
B) Race, today, is largely symbolic, and not consequential for blacks' occupational and economic advancement
C) The legacy of slavery is irrelevant to the present-day culture and economic status of blacks
D) None of the above