The Narrative Of Bill Bray

about how black people had to deal with white people and how they survived through all of it.

All four pieces were enlightening, but there was one particular piece that really opened my eyes about race and the different reasons that individuals may or may not use the concept to help define who they are. The article by Johnston, Pizzolato and Kanny examined the ways by which individuals may or may not utilize the concept of race to form their sense of identity. It may be self-centered, but I had never really thought that other people might have a different way of thinking of race as part of their identity. I had just assumed that everyone understood race as I understood it; and so that everyone else’s race also was ingrained and played a part of their identity in the way that I believed race played a role in my sense of self. However, as I read the piece and the authors explained the ways by which the participants identified race s playing a role in their identity I was surprised. I

To begin, the first pivotal revelation is the concept of white privilege. White Privilege, as Peggy McIntosh specifies in her essay, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”, is a set of unearned assets which a white person in America can count on cashing in each day yet they remain oblivious to. This theme resonates as prior to this course, though aware of certain advantages as a seemingly “white” person in society, I was unaware of its official terminology. Also, as a person with one quarter American Indian blood I’m classified as a minority, however, I’m

I began by speaking about transforming social arrangements by using education and communication to change to an inclusive view. I took a close look at a program my father and I participated in, The Indian Guides. I feel my father did not understand the racist underpinning of the program and its symbols. I did come to realize how detrimental color-blindness can be as it ignores racism. Later I explored the painful story of 3 individuals that suffered heart attacks. The success or failure of their recovery was linked to their class position. The ability to obtain health care in this country should never depend on class or socioeconomic strata. Care and wellness education should be available to all. Toward the end of the term I faced the power of words and images. These symbols can have a tremendous impact on the division of race, gender and class in society. Today I can choose to be part of those striving for an equitable society or part of the color blind

Williams starts off by using her son as an example on how race is disregarded. Williams talks about how multiple white teachers

Looking back, I was in complete shock that a Native American woman spoke to us. Her speech was powerful, especially her ironic comment on the Caucasian man with the truck. “Remember the guy with the “DO NOT TRESPASS” sticker on his truck? Well…I know a little bit about trespassing myself.” That was the moment that I remember the most because the truth was all that I need to settle my case with the Caucasian

It wasn’t until I earned a few college degrees that the military would even entertain my packets for promotion where I was station. Once I realized my ignorance regarding not just racism but also sexism I found myself encouraging minorities to obtain an education in order to compete. As Spencer (2008) said in his article “education and employment opportunity, he was made in his opinion palatable to the dominant culture.” This article compels me to think of situations from my past life experiences. It amazed me how much I overlooked some hurdles that I overcame when it comes to racism and/or sexism. My reflection involved my critical thinking skills to determine if I deliberately block it out or did I truly forget. I found myself questioning my experience and opportunity to search for new perspectives and new solutions if

I have always thought about myself as just a person. After taking this course, I think of myself as a white person. To me, being colorblind and attempting to look at everyone as just a person, were ways I avoided being racist. This course, taught by Dr. Bianca Williams, has enabled me to change my views on racism and race to a move correct outlook. I now understand that it is my duty to be able to acknowledge my race and other identities and the privileges that come with being a white, middle class, heterosexual person. I used to think that interpersonal racism was the main problem in the United States, but after this course realize that institutional racism is the problem. This course, coupled with readings from Devon W. Carbado on his piece titled “Privilege”, Beverly Daniel Tatum’s article titled “Talking about Race, Learning about Racism”, Brittney Cooper’s article on “The Politics of Black Women’s Hair” and Audre Lorde’s article called “The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism”, I have shifted my views on race and racism to a more constructive and correct outlook.

During the 50s and 60s african american citizens were oppressed through years of abuse mentality and physically, the book warriors don't cry is a story of a young girl melba pattillo Beals who is a african american student who integrated to a all white high school along with 8 other students, melba and her friends are harmed mentally and physically at little rock. And they still managed to make the best out of their situation through positive change for example when a group of students dieced to gang up on melba and beat her up a white person named link dieced to help her, instead of joining in on the attack he dieced to help her with positive change all though he had to call her names like nigger he still lent her his car to escape the attackers.

It’s hard to experience any kind of discrimination, taunting, or hate when we can’t relate to the people who are experiencing it what so ever. Especially if it’s something that we can only truly understand if we stood right there with them taking it ourselves. I wrote a research paper about Jackie Robinson that forever changed my thoughts on how blacks were treated. As I was researching and writing my paper it changed my relationship to the world by opening a door to a world that I can never experience, it changed me by the way I think and respect the African-Americans that had to experience this, and how everyone who researches this could learn the same lesson I did.

Rankine’s Citizen completely resonated with me. While reading each vignette in the book, I began to reminisce on events that happened in high school. Most of my encounters with some students involved several micro aggressions. They would usually be taken as jokes in order to avoid an awkward moment, but they were never just jokes. Many people tried to avoid calling something inherently racist racist and confronting the subject of race. However, during my senior year I became less passive and called out the wrong things I heard more. Some of these remarks included:

The reading this week also really resonated with me, especially the ones about minority women and feminists of colour. As a white person, I will never understand the difficulties that POC face nor can I speak on their issues, but I can use my privilege to help elevate their voices when possible. One thing that particularly caught my attention was the section by Kiran Ahuja about diversity in schools and community, in my hometown there is currently an ongoing case to desegregate a school, which I never would have thought would still be a problem, not only was my school fairly diverse but so were the neighbourhoods in our district. The thing is that not all communities are like this, some are segregated, either intentionally or not, and this

Through my leadership experiences at SCSU, I have grown into a strong, independent, and courage woman. This past spring semester, I took the opportunity to apply and be accepted to present at M.E.Ch.A.’s national conference about my independent studies course that I developed. I never imagined to share my cultural experiences on that level and have professors comment afterward about how they enjoy my presentation. There have been opportunities where I was able to discuss with administrators among other students and our concerns on campus issues facing students of color directly to them. I have met strong, academic leaders and students at conferences that have exposed me to love and embrace my cultural identity, indigenous roots, femininity, strength, and personal struggles. The education program gave me the opportunity to continue learning in another location for student teaching, which again has exposed me to new experiences, people, environments, and academic challenges. I no longer view challenges as obstacles, rather I view them as tests to help me remember how worth it, the path I am on and pursing, is to me. When I first started my freshman year in fall 2012, I could have never imagined that I would do and come as far as I have. I remember when I began this journey, I said to myself that I would graduate

This essay stirred up many emotions in me by showing how racism can be hidden. If you were just going about everyday life you wouldn’t notice that the name “George” as being a word which diminishes a person 's value and self worth. Then if an innocent person didn 't know better they wouldn 't understand they said anything offensive. Which makes me think of a scarier question in which people can not see racism going around them, or they also choose to do nothing about it when it 's out there as light as day. It 's important when we see racist acts and are willing to make a difference to resolve those issues. When show those integral qualities we see value of others with loving eyes. While race has always been an issue is our country, it 's what we do to make it better within ourselves to help prevent it from being