Sebastian Mantilla 10/02/16
The Undefinable Word: Race
A race is a loosely defined word because it changes throughout time. It had specifications to certain races until it became a broader term. However, even the broader version of the term still has its own branches which have their own criteria’s, which are seen in the Census’ description Here. These criteria exist in society through everyday subconscious reactions, thoughts or dialogue. In June Jordan’s Report from the Bahamas, she explains her initial thoughts towards one of her Caucasian students who had good intentions but paralleled the divide she felt between her race and his. She described how they “had grown closer ... But then [their] talk[s] shifted to student affairs more generally, and [she] learned that this student does not care one way or the other about [the] currently jeopardized Federal Student Loan Programs because, as he explained it to me, they do not affect him. My own son, however, is Black” (Jordan, p. 9). She shows how someone of her education still succumbs to the divides between races to dictate her future reactions with her student. Although, they perfectly respect each other and build off of each other’s ideas, she is still actively aware of the still present difference of opportunity. This proves as a barrier between them.
Through the existing divides in society, we’re able to reach a conclusion of how race came to be. In the colonization of the Americas, there was an import of different cultural ideas and beliefs as described Here. Anibal Quijano’s example is the “social category of ‘race’ ” mentioned in the academic journal named Coloniality and Modernity/Rationality. He states that “old ideas of superiority of the dominant, and the inferiority of dominated under European colonialism were mutated in a relationship of biologically and structurally superior and inferior” (Quijano, pg. 171). The beginning of the term race was a way to organize the dominants and the inferiors but developed into its own institution that was justified through biology. Power was given to certain people of a specific race while others were organized based on their “flaws” in comparison to the dominant race. These ideas were carried into Susie Guillory Phipps court case (1982-83) against the Louisiana Bureau of vital Records. She sued to “change her racial classification from black to white. [She was] the descendant of an l8th-century white planter and a black slave. Phipps was designated "black" in her birth certificate in accordance with a 1970 state law which declared anyone with at least 1/32nd "Negro blood" to be black” (Omi and Winant, p. 53). The existence of this idea in a relatively “modern” time period demonstrates the integrated societal view of what would be considered an untouchable race. This law suggests the idea that even a little bit of discordancy from an African-American bloodline, taints anyone who would be considered white.
Living in a society where there is a lot of racial activism, it is interesting and troubling to see the divides that have surfaced and strengthened. Although there are issues that are now receiving light rightly owed, the divisions between institutions, meant for the benefit of all, and the communities that make up society are troubling.
Work Cited
Omi, M., & Winant, H. (1994). Racial formation in the United States: From the 1960s to the 1990s. New York: Routledge. - Discusses the definition race through different lenses such as politics or social environments.
Quijano, A. (2007). Coloniality and modernity/rationality. Cultural studies,21(2-3), 168-178. - Looks at the creation of race through colonialism and the values brought from Europe.
Jordan, J. (2003). Report from the Bahamas, 1982. Meridians, 3(2), 6-16. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40338566 - A personal recount of the author’s experience at the Bahamas with those of other races and of the same race with respect to privilege.
This photograph shows a lot of what people are fighting for. For example, the two stickers on the megaphone the say “PEOPLE” and “POWER” signify that if everyone, people, can come together their voice has power. There for they can fight and achieve the justice they rightfully deserve. This picture was found on Flicker and was taken by Chris Wieland.
Hey Sebastian,
ReplyDelete1) Title: Interesting choice of title. I think it really catches the readers attention because I am interested to know why "race" is undefined in your opinion.
2)Image: I cannot see the image on the blog unless I click on the link that you provided. However, the explanation that you provided is powerful and you zeroed in on the picture. I think you should explain what people are fighting for so it can connect back to the paragraph you wrote about race.
3)2 External Websites: I am not really sure which ones are your two external websites, but I am assuming it is the Census and the one about "Ideas of Race in Early America." You should add both of these websites to your work citied because you did not mentioned it. I think you should explain more about the Census that you have included. The Census reflects that race is undefined in today's century and it can be a good discussion in your conclusion.
4) 2 Outside Academic: You have successfully inserted two outside academic sources and applied it to your blog. I just find that most of the blog was a little about quotes and few about analysis. I think you should balance it out by paraphrasing some of the quotes you included and used like one specific quote if you really think it is better to quote it than paraphrase it.
5)In my opinion, I feel everything is organized and well written. I was able to read your blog smoothly. You properly cited your citations minus the two I mentioned from your external website, you did not cited them. I think you should have included some history about how race came to be in two or three sentences from the website you directed us to because there's a lot to read from the website and theres a lot points being made. The website would be a reference. It is best to just write it out from what you took from it. Take the parts that is important and engage into.
5) Answering the questions: I believe that you explained your understanding of race by providing the "branches of the term" of race. I just think that you should include more of your input then just explaining the quotes. You should analysis it and make connections to your views. You have definitely gave a reflection to the idea of race persisting. Also, with the question of "its relevance to contemporary social relations" you answered it through the image that you provided. I would like to know why is it troubling the communities that makes up the society? Overall, your blog is very interesting and I feel like you answered the questions. The only thing I would say is add more of your input and cut less of the quotes so we can hear your voice.