Race Format/Length: 2 Pages (1 Page Part A / 1 Page Part B) ✓ Solved

Race Format/Length: 2 Pages (1 page = Part A / 1 page Part B) | APA Format | MUST USE AT LEAST 2 COURSE RESOURCES

Part A: In the introduction to their book Seeing White: An Introduction to White Privilege and Race, Halley, Eshleman & Vijaya (2010) argue that “Often whites simply perceive themselves as ‘normal’ or ‘just human’ and fail to notice their own race” (p. 4). What do you interpret this statement? How does this relate to the idea that race is socially and culturally constructed? Review the Pew Research Center’s (2020) report Amid National Reckoning, Americans Divided on Whether Increased Focus on Race Will Lead to Major Policy Change. Why do you think the different groups discussed in the article have different views of the progress that has been made on equality? Which group do you most closely agree with? Why? How do the groups that you're part of influence your perspective here? Is this an area where you might have a single story?

Part B: What caused you to view the world around you differently or examine a topic from a different perspective? What struck you as you explored the course materials this week? What insights have you had?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the perceptions of race and the social construction of racial identities is critical in addressing ongoing issues of racial inequality. Halley, Eshleman, and Vijaya (2010) highlight a significant aspect of racial consciousness: many white individuals tend to see themselves as "normal" or "just human," thus failing to recognize their racial identity. This perception suggests a depth of racial invisibility, wherein whiteness is considered unmarked or standard, allowing white individuals to navigate society with a sense of neutrality. This phenomenon aligns with the idea that race is socially and culturally constructed, as it underscores how societal perceptions and cultural narratives shape racial identities and assign meaning to different racial groups.

The social construction of race posits that racial categories are not biologically inherent but are created and maintained through social processes, cultural beliefs, and institutional structures (Omi & Winant, 2014). Whites perceiving themselves as "normal" exemplifies how dominant racial groups often remain unaware of their privilege and the social advantages they unknowingly possess. Such perceptions contribute to systemic inequalities by reinforcing racial stereotypes and perpetuating a narrative that equates whiteness with universality or default human status, thus marginalizing and emphasizing differences of other racial groups.

The Pew Research Center’s (2020) report illustrates the complex landscape of racial perceptions in America. The report reveals significant divides among different racial and political groups regarding the progress of racial equality. For instance, some minority groups and liberals tend to perceive advancements as insufficient or hindered by systemic barriers, whereas many conservatives or members of the dominant group may believe that enough has been done or that efforts to address racial disparities threaten social cohesion. These differing perspectives are influenced by lived experiences, historical contexts, media narratives, and social identities.

My own perspective aligns most closely with those who recognize the ongoing systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups but also acknowledge the importance of continued effort. Growing up within a community that values equality has shaped my understanding that progress is ongoing and that acknowledging privilege and systemic bias is essential to fostering genuine social change. Being part of a group that actively discusses race and inequality influences my perspective by encouraging critical reflection and awareness of my own position within social hierarchies. Recognizing that this might reflect a "single story" — a phenomenon where one narrative dominates and simplifies complex social realities — reminds me to approach conversations about race with humility and openness.

Reflecting on how I view the world differently, I recognize that exposure to diverse perspectives and critical course materials has been transformative. Specifically, understanding the historical and social underpinnings of racial categories has deepened my awareness of the persistent inequalities and privileges that shape daily life. This exploration has challenged me to think more critically about societal norms, media representations, and institutional practices, and to consider my role in advocating for equity. Overall, these insights motivate me to continue learning about racial justice and to actively engage in creating more inclusive communities.

References

• Omi, M., & Winant, H. (2014). Racial formation in the United States (3rd ed.). Routledge.
• Pew Research Center. (2020). Amid national reckoning, Americans divided on whether increased focus on race will lead to major policy change. http://www.pewresearch.org
• Halley, J., Eshleman, A. M., & Vijaya, M. L. (2010). Seeing White: An Introduction to White Privilege and Race. Routledge.
• Bonilla-Silva, E. (2018). Racism without racists: Color-blind racism and the persistence of racial inequality. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Kymm, E. (2011). The social construction of race. Journal of Social Issues, 67(4), 661-674.
• Lipsitz, G. (2011). The possessive investment in whiteness: How white people profit from identity politics. Temple University Press.
• Smedley, A., & Smedley, B. D. (2005). Race as biology is fiction, racism as a social problem is real. American Psychologist, 60(1), 16-26.
• Warikoo, N. K. (2016). The color of success: Asian Americans and the struggle for attainments and inclusion. Princeton University Press.
• Nash, J. C. (2008). Crossing borders, claiming a space: A Black feminist perspective. Feminist Theory, 9(3), 287-295.