As I post this, closing arguments are underway in the George Zimmerman trial, a case that is wrapped in issues of identity, stereotyping, perceptions, justice, and race. As we examine Trayvon’s death and George’s trial (and all the related media and framing), this piece, written shortly after Trayvon’s death by my friend Andy Johnson, provides an opportunity for reflection.
Trevon Martin, George Zimmerman, the Voting Rights Act, Paula Dean, and many more stories about race have been in the media in the last week. This NPR story looks at issues of race, racism, discrimination, and how we negotiate and talk about race in the United States.
How should a campus respond when there is a racial incident? Ole Miss, given their history, is choosing to confront the incident directly. This brings up many related questions for me, including: 1) how much have things changed?, 2) what is the role of social media in racist incidents and comments; and 3) how can you teach students about privilege, race, conflict, and history in today’s world in a way that increases understanding and builds bridges.
From TA-NEHISI COATES, in the Atlantic (5/15/13)
“I am not being flip or coy. If you tell me that you plan to study “race and intelligence” then it is only fair that I ask you, “What do you mean by race?” It’s true I don’t always do math so well, but I understand the need to define the terms of your study. If you’re a math guy, perhaps your instinct is to point out the problems in the interpretation of the data. My instinct is to point out that your entire experiment proceeds from a basic flaw — no coherent, fixed definition of race actually exists.”
Good overview on the research on genetics, nurture, and IQ.
“Like a malignancy, it had crept in when I least expected it — this repugnant, infectious bigotry we have become so accustomed to. “White privilege” was on display, palpable to passersby who consoled me. I’ve come to expect this repulsive racism in many aspects of my life, but when I find it entrenched in these smaller encounters is when salt is sprinkled deep into the wounds. In these crystallizing moments it is clear that while I might see myself as just another all-American gal who has great affection for this country, others see me as something less than human, more now than ever before.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seema-jilani/racism-white-house-correspondents-dinner_b_3231561.html
A poem by Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley of the 2012 National Poetry Slam Championship team, Team SNO (Slam New Orleans). The importance of names, stereotypes, and identity are addressed in this poem.
Ever have a hard time telling someone that they said something racist? Great advice in this video!
Intercultural Resources 