For 1/9: Self Reflection

This week we are beginning to look at how race and ethnicity is socially and historically constructed. In order to gain the most value from this course we also must examine ourselves in terms of how we conceptualize race and ethnicity and how these ideas and values have been constructed in each of our individual lives. That is your challenging task this week. As you read the assigned readings for this week think about your personal ideas regarding race and ethnicity and why you have these beliefs. Those ideas have been constructed throughout your life. Think critically about how you have personally constructed race and ethnicity by answering some or all of the following questions:

1. How do you identify yourself racially or ethnically (or what group(s) do you personally identify with)?
2. How has this affected your conception of race and ethnicity?
3. Who or what has affected your personal views about race and/or ethnicity (people, institutions, media, personal experiences, etc...)?
4. Why do you do feel the way you do about various racial or ethnic groups?
5. How does politics impact race and ethnicity in America?

This first blog is different from those that will follow. For this week only I would like you to type a 1-2 page personal reflection blog that will be turned in to class on 1/9. You are NOT expected to post your blog entry online. Gaining a more critical understanding of what you feel and how you have developed these views will help us as we look at the social and historical construction of race and ethnicity across the country.

Following this week you will post your brief blogs online. Each should be one long or two short paragraphs only. The blog this week is required. After this week you must complete 5 more over the course of the quarter.