June 20 - Class writing Prompt
A racial experience as a child I proactively contributed to at the age of 11 or 12 occurred in Queens, New York. I didn’t experience racism so much since my community was black; I attended a black school, black church, and my friends were black. We didn’t see whites until we went to school, left our Queens neighborhood, mostly in Manhattan, or went to Virginia for the summertime. Whites made me circumspect when I was in their presence then, similar to how some whites feel about blacks in their presence.
As a black youth, we were taught how to code switch early. We didn’t behave the same way around our white school teacher as we did around our own folks. Although the neighborhood was black, we were not void of prejudices and discrimination. Discrimination divided us by country origin. We cared about if you were born in America or another country. As an American, my family would look down upon those who were not black Americans because we thought they looked down upon us.
My racial experience is about our newly moved-in neighbors; they were Haitian. I didn’t think I ever met someone that was Haitian before until that time. I was told stereotypes of Haitian people before by adults in my life. They were supposed to be stupid, acquired lots of jobs, and were bad dressers. I wasn’t concerned about the jobs and intelligence of my neighbors. However, what I could make fun of them was their dressing style. I continued those adult prejudices by judging my neighbor youth’s clothes and behavior. I thought they wore lots of mismatched colors that were considered “loud colors” in my family.
Now I realize they were wearing clothes unconcerned about the colors. Maybe in their country, money was hard to come by and they were happy to wear clothes not ragtag. We, my siblings and black friends, judged them based on our standards of dress, which was pure stupidity. We were not that far behind from being fashion misfits ourselves. I judged and criticized my Haitian neighbors because they were black and I was very proud of being black. In my immature thinking, I wanted my neighbors to fit in and not have others judge them negatively based upon their dress and later their skin color. It was all connected in my mind. Now, I realize how superficial I behaved. Who cares about the colors you wear? Often, I leave the house with whatever I throw on and don’t care what people think. I tell myself constantly that the way I dress doesn’t represent the salary I earn. I always think I’ll start dressing a little better in my 30s. I’m knocking on that age, but doubt I will care that much about clothes then either. I love shoes and purses more than clothes. Forgive my ignorance my neighbors, wherever you are
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Black dolls and Hair
Writing Prompt
It made a difference for me to have black dolls since they reflected my skin color. A doll allows the child to image a life for this doll. I didn’t feel connected to a doll that didn’t look like me. Looking back, I could have played with a white doll. Some of my Barbie dolls were white. However, my Cabbage Patch Kid baby doll was black. There was no other option. I would take her outside of the house, imagine she was my baby, and I then would have never thought of myself with a white baby. That meant a different life I never imagined living. I loved that baby and having a certificate proved that she was my baby who I could dress up, fix her manageable hair, different from the Barbie hair, and carry her around. For the big doll babies, race color mattered. However, I wonder if my thoughts came from my mother as well. I doubt she would have disagreed if I decided to ask for a white Cabbage Patch doll. I don’t know. Knowing who she has aged to be, I doubt she would have cared. I cared more than her and still do for my children.
Concept of beauty relates to the video
My concept of beauty has changed as I altered my thinking of beauty in my own life. Yes, I too had permed or relaxed hair. Most black women have had their hair relaxed and still do. That style works for them. I wanted more than one style. I did the afro look, braids, short natural hair, and now dreadlocks or locks (dread is negative).
My styles have changed with my mood and maturity. I believe that I have matured into my locks. It took me awhile to decide on locking my hair because of stereotypes of locks. I still have to worry about those negative opinions from my extended family. My immediate family has longed accepted my concept of beauty and my journey to be at peace with hair and in turn my concept of beauty as related to the video.
Young girls will have to make a conscious effort to come to terms with their own beauty void of other’s opinions. It will happen or never happen in their lives. I hope young girls establish their own concept of beauty and consider themselves in that realm sooner before there is anymore pain or anguish over their looks and hair.
It made a difference for me to have black dolls since they reflected my skin color. A doll allows the child to image a life for this doll. I didn’t feel connected to a doll that didn’t look like me. Looking back, I could have played with a white doll. Some of my Barbie dolls were white. However, my Cabbage Patch Kid baby doll was black. There was no other option. I would take her outside of the house, imagine she was my baby, and I then would have never thought of myself with a white baby. That meant a different life I never imagined living. I loved that baby and having a certificate proved that she was my baby who I could dress up, fix her manageable hair, different from the Barbie hair, and carry her around. For the big doll babies, race color mattered. However, I wonder if my thoughts came from my mother as well. I doubt she would have disagreed if I decided to ask for a white Cabbage Patch doll. I don’t know. Knowing who she has aged to be, I doubt she would have cared. I cared more than her and still do for my children.
Concept of beauty relates to the video
My concept of beauty has changed as I altered my thinking of beauty in my own life. Yes, I too had permed or relaxed hair. Most black women have had their hair relaxed and still do. That style works for them. I wanted more than one style. I did the afro look, braids, short natural hair, and now dreadlocks or locks (dread is negative).
My styles have changed with my mood and maturity. I believe that I have matured into my locks. It took me awhile to decide on locking my hair because of stereotypes of locks. I still have to worry about those negative opinions from my extended family. My immediate family has longed accepted my concept of beauty and my journey to be at peace with hair and in turn my concept of beauty as related to the video.
Young girls will have to make a conscious effort to come to terms with their own beauty void of other’s opinions. It will happen or never happen in their lives. I hope young girls establish their own concept of beauty and consider themselves in that realm sooner before there is anymore pain or anguish over their looks and hair.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Assignment: Rewrite/revise or write a new piece that tells the story of a time in your life where you became aware of race, that tells of how you "learned" race--like the writing in Wright's "Ethics of Living Jim Crow," or where you saw your parents or family members interact with issues of race. Post to your INDIVIDUAL blog. (at least 300 words, but it can be longer if you'd like.)
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I am very aware of race. Throughout my childhood, mostly through the experiences of the adults, I have learned about racism. I remember when my mother was confronted by a police officer in "our" neighborhood since she was walking around a white neighborhood. She was only excercising but some white neighbors felt she didn't live in that area and called the police to question her whereabouts. My mother came home fuming and upset. Usually, my mother is a nice and docile person. She is a quiet woman, short and quiet. She took the dog out to walk one more time around the neighborhood. Before leaving for a second walk, she said that she is going to show people that she belongs in this neighborhood.
Another example of race is through conversations with my aunt about the workforce. She is a former administrator or assistant principal in a New York City school and now owes her own day care in Florida. She constantly reminded us about the struggles of being black, a woman, and working with racist whites in education and business. Her stories captivated us as we pondered what we would do in this situation. Today, I , at times, call her for advice about a situation related to race and the workforce.
Race as a child wasn't on the forefront of my life until I moved out of my all black neighborhood and school in New York City. I was comfortable and distanced from whites. They might have been my teachers but they weren't my neighbors.
I learned more about discrimination living in Florida, the South (not the real South though). I learned the divide of where you live and how people care about if you are in the white side or the black side. Blacks lived on the other side of the tracks. Some lived over the tracks, very few lived faraway from the tracks. We lived faraway from the railroad tracks. At the time we moved in we made the 2nd black family. It was classism as well. The other black family's bread winner had a degree, so did my mother.
What I didn't know then was that you are always perceived like you are stupid or invisible unless you speak up, or boast your intelligence at times. I was at one point quiet to the injustices because I didn't want to "cause a scene." I hated the mistreatment but couldn't stay in hatred mode for the rest of my life. I had to forgive and forget. Still today in "liberal" MA, almost every day, I am confronted by race.
RS
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I am very aware of race. Throughout my childhood, mostly through the experiences of the adults, I have learned about racism. I remember when my mother was confronted by a police officer in "our" neighborhood since she was walking around a white neighborhood. She was only excercising but some white neighbors felt she didn't live in that area and called the police to question her whereabouts. My mother came home fuming and upset. Usually, my mother is a nice and docile person. She is a quiet woman, short and quiet. She took the dog out to walk one more time around the neighborhood. Before leaving for a second walk, she said that she is going to show people that she belongs in this neighborhood.
Another example of race is through conversations with my aunt about the workforce. She is a former administrator or assistant principal in a New York City school and now owes her own day care in Florida. She constantly reminded us about the struggles of being black, a woman, and working with racist whites in education and business. Her stories captivated us as we pondered what we would do in this situation. Today, I , at times, call her for advice about a situation related to race and the workforce.
Race as a child wasn't on the forefront of my life until I moved out of my all black neighborhood and school in New York City. I was comfortable and distanced from whites. They might have been my teachers but they weren't my neighbors.
I learned more about discrimination living in Florida, the South (not the real South though). I learned the divide of where you live and how people care about if you are in the white side or the black side. Blacks lived on the other side of the tracks. Some lived over the tracks, very few lived faraway from the tracks. We lived faraway from the railroad tracks. At the time we moved in we made the 2nd black family. It was classism as well. The other black family's bread winner had a degree, so did my mother.
What I didn't know then was that you are always perceived like you are stupid or invisible unless you speak up, or boast your intelligence at times. I was at one point quiet to the injustices because I didn't want to "cause a scene." I hated the mistreatment but couldn't stay in hatred mode for the rest of my life. I had to forgive and forget. Still today in "liberal" MA, almost every day, I am confronted by race.
RS
My Privileges
After reading White Privilege, post a list of 10 privileges that you enjoy onto your INDIVIDUAL BLOG.
Initially, I had difficulty with the assignment stating 10 privileges as a black woman. I could only generate about 3 related to my work. I asked about 2-3 friends for their assistance. We shared the same difficulty. However in class, Grace T mentioned that we didn't have to think only in racial lines.
1) Black women are perceived to be strong.
2) Black women are perceived as strong disciplinarians as teachers.
3) Black women are considered the stronghold of the black family and community.
4) As a woman, we can give a facade that we are weak and need assistance to lift heavy items. I have used this privilege many times.
5) Woman are perceived to be more compassionate and are emotional. We have the privilege of being sentimental and emotional publicly.
6) I have privilege due to my education which allows certain opportunities.
7) I have privilege in my job because of my standing and leadership positions.
8) I have privilege in my speech and words since I am not afraid of the politics of moving up in my school or Boston area. If I don't achieve success in a desired position, I will relocate easily anywhere else. I am not tied to Boston.
9) I have privilege in my association with men. A woman's charm is disalarming to men and also a lure to men.
10) I have privilege in my rights since I have an education.
Initially, I had difficulty with the assignment stating 10 privileges as a black woman. I could only generate about 3 related to my work. I asked about 2-3 friends for their assistance. We shared the same difficulty. However in class, Grace T mentioned that we didn't have to think only in racial lines.
1) Black women are perceived to be strong.
2) Black women are perceived as strong disciplinarians as teachers.
3) Black women are considered the stronghold of the black family and community.
4) As a woman, we can give a facade that we are weak and need assistance to lift heavy items. I have used this privilege many times.
5) Woman are perceived to be more compassionate and are emotional. We have the privilege of being sentimental and emotional publicly.
6) I have privilege due to my education which allows certain opportunities.
7) I have privilege in my job because of my standing and leadership positions.
8) I have privilege in my speech and words since I am not afraid of the politics of moving up in my school or Boston area. If I don't achieve success in a desired position, I will relocate easily anywhere else. I am not tied to Boston.
9) I have privilege in my association with men. A woman's charm is disalarming to men and also a lure to men.
10) I have privilege in my rights since I have an education.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
HW - Readings - Racism, White - dom, and Black beauty
Homework for May 30, 2007 Rothenberg readings
I enjoyed the insight about race and media from the readings. I felt like I gained new vocabulary regarding racism, discrimination of housing, and the movement to the suburbs. I also was reminded about the lifestyle of the wealthy, and the hardships of the poor. I was reminded that racism is not just exclusive for whites to project but for all. I was reminded that still people think that racism is no more, but educated through discussions and in college settings of the uncomfortable and necessary conversation. In the following paragraphs, description will be given about three essays and my insight and opinion given.
In Karen Brodkin's essay "How Jews became White folks?", I appreciated her personal experience of the progression of Jews into white society. I sometimes thought about that same question, but never pondered past the thought. Learning about the different color zones which indicate value (pg 49) enraged me of the racist governmental housing policies. Not many people know of the exact practices but no the barriers existed. Still today many minority neighborhoods are considered poor investment and not worthy of purchasing. These beliefs hurt not only the blacks but society in general. If you won't buy a home in "that" neighborhood, you won't venture into "that" neighborhood, or continue to foster stereotypes of "that" neighborhood.
I too have to ponder those beliefs when thinking about my house purchasing thoughts and even where I decide to reside. I used to live in Roxbury (for about four years). Before moving there, I was bombarded with negative thoughts about the black neighborhood by myself and others. I am black myself. I had to rethink and practice anti racist thinking myself.
Another essay I appreciated that brought to life the advantages of white people is "Constructing Race, Creating White Privilege" by Pem Buck. Blacks and other people of color have always known advantages of being white existed but there was no clear message or academic thinking that whites could claim or acknowledge themselves. Conversations of race get deeper and more valuable when whites acknowledge the privileges given to them in society and their action steps to be aware of this privilege, and ways to be anti racist or not take advantage of their privilege on others behalf.
However what was mentioned in the article is the need to always distinguish yourself from others through class, if not race as well. If you are white, then are you wealthy, are you supported by one income, etc. If your woman stayed home you needed more money, than others. "Women in the families of such men frequently did stay home and frequently came to support the idea that people who couldn't do the same were genetically or racially or cultural inferior." (pg 36)
Another essay that reminded of the ignorance of many is Beverly Daniel Tatum's "Defining Racism - Can we talk?". She mentioned that she was asked by a college student what class she was teaching. She mentioned it was centered around racism. The student then said that she didn't know that was still an issue in this country. Such a statement is not rare for blacks to hear. Yes, racism is still apparent and alive. It is more passive or hidden, but still alive. Also, the ignorant discussion of Cleopatra's beauty being debated because she was black. Sadly many do not view black women as beautiful. We are so beautiful. A discussion over our beauty is futile. However, what isn't is that Cleopatra was black and beautiful like black women in ancient times and today. Black is and always has been beautiful.
RS
I enjoyed the insight about race and media from the readings. I felt like I gained new vocabulary regarding racism, discrimination of housing, and the movement to the suburbs. I also was reminded about the lifestyle of the wealthy, and the hardships of the poor. I was reminded that racism is not just exclusive for whites to project but for all. I was reminded that still people think that racism is no more, but educated through discussions and in college settings of the uncomfortable and necessary conversation. In the following paragraphs, description will be given about three essays and my insight and opinion given.
In Karen Brodkin's essay "How Jews became White folks?", I appreciated her personal experience of the progression of Jews into white society. I sometimes thought about that same question, but never pondered past the thought. Learning about the different color zones which indicate value (pg 49) enraged me of the racist governmental housing policies. Not many people know of the exact practices but no the barriers existed. Still today many minority neighborhoods are considered poor investment and not worthy of purchasing. These beliefs hurt not only the blacks but society in general. If you won't buy a home in "that" neighborhood, you won't venture into "that" neighborhood, or continue to foster stereotypes of "that" neighborhood.
I too have to ponder those beliefs when thinking about my house purchasing thoughts and even where I decide to reside. I used to live in Roxbury (for about four years). Before moving there, I was bombarded with negative thoughts about the black neighborhood by myself and others. I am black myself. I had to rethink and practice anti racist thinking myself.
Another essay I appreciated that brought to life the advantages of white people is "Constructing Race, Creating White Privilege" by Pem Buck. Blacks and other people of color have always known advantages of being white existed but there was no clear message or academic thinking that whites could claim or acknowledge themselves. Conversations of race get deeper and more valuable when whites acknowledge the privileges given to them in society and their action steps to be aware of this privilege, and ways to be anti racist or not take advantage of their privilege on others behalf.
However what was mentioned in the article is the need to always distinguish yourself from others through class, if not race as well. If you are white, then are you wealthy, are you supported by one income, etc. If your woman stayed home you needed more money, than others. "Women in the families of such men frequently did stay home and frequently came to support the idea that people who couldn't do the same were genetically or racially or cultural inferior." (pg 36)
Another essay that reminded of the ignorance of many is Beverly Daniel Tatum's "Defining Racism - Can we talk?". She mentioned that she was asked by a college student what class she was teaching. She mentioned it was centered around racism. The student then said that she didn't know that was still an issue in this country. Such a statement is not rare for blacks to hear. Yes, racism is still apparent and alive. It is more passive or hidden, but still alive. Also, the ignorant discussion of Cleopatra's beauty being debated because she was black. Sadly many do not view black women as beautiful. We are so beautiful. A discussion over our beauty is futile. However, what isn't is that Cleopatra was black and beautiful like black women in ancient times and today. Black is and always has been beautiful.
RS
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Why might the image offend (or not)? What does the image communicate? Who is controlling this image? How do you read this image? What is your experience of the image?
The image offends me because it depicts the injustice against blacks and police. The image communicates the actual beating of a person. The image is displayed as evidence, filmed by a citizen (bystander). You read the image as a frame of the beating.
Everyone remembers where, what age and how their community was affected by the beating, the trial, and the aftermath or riots of the trial's result. I remember writing a poem about the LA riots and winning an award. It was about light and the flame going out bc of how people behave and treat each other.
RS
The image offends me because it depicts the injustice against blacks and police. The image communicates the actual beating of a person. The image is displayed as evidence, filmed by a citizen (bystander). You read the image as a frame of the beating.
Everyone remembers where, what age and how their community was affected by the beating, the trial, and the aftermath or riots of the trial's result. I remember writing a poem about the LA riots and winning an award. It was about light and the flame going out bc of how people behave and treat each other.
RS
Image Analysis - I chose a clip from the Rodney King beating. This image enraged the black community and brought police brutality to light in other communities that injustice happens everyday.
The police who beat Rodney King were not afraid to beat him outside in public's view. They were in public where someone was able to tape the beating. Without the tape and evidence as proof of the beating and the indecent behavior of law enforcement the men would not have felt shame. Maybe not forgiveness but at least shame for harming brutally a man who could not defend themselves.
This beating on tape enraged many people and harmed not only one but thousands of people either physically, mentally, or scarred America emotionally. We all felt shame from this tape.
RS
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