Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the main elements in transformation occurring in assimilation in Germany, France, and the U.S.?
A) Shift from transitive to intransitive understandings of assimilation
B) Shift from abstract understandings of assimilation to organic understandings of assimilation
C) Shift in thinking in terms of homogeneous units to thinking in terms of heterogeneous units
D) Shift in the unit within which change occurs from an individual to a multi-generational population

Accepted Answer

The main elements in transformation occurring in assimilation in Germany, France, and the U.S. include shifts from transitive to intransitive understandings, from thinking in terms of homogeneous units to heterogeneous units, and in the unit within which change occurs from an individual to a multi-generational population. The shift from abstract to organic understandings of assimilation is not identified as one of the main elements in these transformations.

Question 2

The shift from a holistic approach to a disaggregated approach to assimilation includes all of the following dynamics EXCEPT
A) Shift from a mono-dimensional understanding of assimilation to a multi-dimensional understanding of assimilation
B) Shift from a multi-dimensional understanding of assimilation to a mono-dimensional understanding of assimilation
C) Shift from an assimilationist understanding of assimilation to an agnostic stance on assimilation
D) Shift from a normative endorsement of assimilation to a more varying understanding of the likelihood and desirability of assimilation

Accepted Answer

The shift from a holistic to a disaggregated approach to assimilation involves recognizing the complexity and multi-dimensionality of assimilation processes, rather than simplifying them into a mono-dimensional perspective. Choices A, C, and D describe aspects of moving towards a more nuanced and varied understanding of assimilation, which aligns with a disaggregated approach.

Question 3

Historically, periods of dismantling aspects of the racist system in the U.S. have been followed by all of the following EXCEPT
A) Significant backtracking
B) Retrenchment
C) Slowing down of new racial change
D) Rapid increase in racial change

Accepted Answer

Historically, periods of dismantling aspects of the racist system in the U.S. have often been followed by significant backtracking, retrenchment, and a slowing down of new racial change, rather than a rapid increase in racial change. This pattern reflects the resistance and backlash that often follow attempts at racial reform.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of Feagin's recommendations for deframing and reframing the dominant racial frame?
A) Listening to Americans of color
B) Teaching people to dissent actively
C) Stop talking about race
D) Material reparations

Accepted Answer

Feagin's recommendations for deframing and reframing the dominant racial frame include listening to Americans of color, teaching people to dissent actively, and material reparations. Stopping talking about race is not recommended, as it would ignore the problem rather than address it.

Question 5

Which of the following statements describes the historical trend of racial categorization over time?
A) The number of racial categories has stayed the same throughout history.
B) The number of racial categories has increased steadily throughout history.
C) The number of racial categories has decreased steadily throughout history.
D) The number of racial categories and what constitutes these categories has been unstable throughout history.

Accepted Answer

The concept of race and the categorization of people into different races have changed over time, reflecting shifts in social, political, and scientific understandings. These changes mean that the number of recognized racial categories and the criteria for these categories have not been consistent, indicating instability in racial categorization throughout history.

Question 6

Describe Brubaker's two different meanings of the term "assimilation" and discuss why this distinction is important.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe Brubaker's two different meanings of the...

Question 7

Brubaker concludes that there are six main elements in transformation occurring in assimilation in Germany, France, and the U.S. Choose three of these elements and explain them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Brubaker concludes that there are six main...

Question 8

Feagin argues that "our great barrier to racial change in the United States is the pervasive and deep-seated character of the centuries-old white racial frame." Explain what he means by this. In your answer make sure to provide the historical context of this statement, explain what a white racial frame is, and what the current ramifications of the white racial frame are.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Feagin argues that "our great barrier to...

Question 9

Explain the difference between deframing and reframing education in regard to racism.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between deframing and reframing...

Question 10

Describe how the U.S. Census categorization of race and ethnicity has changed over time and discuss why this matters. How is racial/ethnic categorization related to public policy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how the U.S. Census categorization of...

Question 11

In his "A More Perfect Union" speech, then-Senator Obama talked about the "gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of our time." What are examples of this gap currently? Why do these gaps still remain? What is required to close those gaps, and what are the challenges in doing so?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In his "A More Perfect Union" speech,...

Question 12

What are the implications of the C. Wright Mills quote: "No social study that does not come back to the problems of biography, history, and their intersections within a society has completed its intellectual journey"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the implications of the C....

Question 13

Van Ausdale and Feagin state that "many affluent Americans still seem reluctant to fund schooling for 'other people's children.'" Why do you think that is?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Van Ausdale and Feagin state that "many...

Question 14

Why is it important to address both individual and institutional discrimination along racial and ethnic lines? Which one is easier to address? Why? What is the social and political pushback to addressing these?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it important to address both...

Question 15

How do the dimensions of racial mixture in Brazil compare to the U.S.? Why might that be?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do the dimensions of racial mixture...

Question 16

Think of examples you've observed in public discourse, the media, and your own experiences of the concept of being "too black" or "not black enough." From what do these ideas emerge? What might be problematic about these concepts?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think of examples you've observed in public...

Question 17

What did you find most compelling about the speech "A More Perfect Union" by then-Senator Obama? What questions do you have?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What did you find most compelling about...

Question 18

Describe the school(s) you attended when growing up. How was your school experience shaped by where you lived? What impact did this have on you at the time? What impact did this have on your educational trajectory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the school(s) you attended when growing...

Question 19

Share an example of your own experiences with media representations of people involved in the criminal justice system. How did this impact you?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Share an example of your own experiences...

Question 20

Discuss the quote that "Latin America is a racial hell." Could the same be said for the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the quote that "Latin America is...

Quiz 4: Unmaking Race and Ethnicity

Which of the following is NOT one of the main elements in transformation occurring in assimilation in Germany, France, and the U.S.?

The shift from a holistic approach to a disaggregated approach to assimilation includes all of the following dynamics EXCEPT

Historically, periods of dismantling aspects of the racist system in the U.S. have been followed by all of the following EXCEPT

Which of the following is NOT one of Feagin's recommendations for deframing and reframing the dominant racial frame?

Which of the following statements describes the historical trend of racial categorization over time?