Sociol 221G Essay 2 Spring 2021 ✓ Solved

Sociol 221G Essay 2 Spring 2021

Essay: In this paper, you are exploring how race has shaped your life and the world in which you live (your can include your family). This paper is an exploration of the links between /relationship of (i) the society in which you live (racial ideology/culture, racial policy & practices of society’s structures/institutions and (ii) the racial beliefs and practices of private individuals and collectives focusing on your own lived experiences that can include your family (and very close friends as they relate to an exploration of yourself). If due to living in the United States for a short time you feel it is very difficult to use many of the course texts to explore how race has shaped your life, then you must arrange an office appt. with me asap, so we can talk about how to proceed.

Length: ~6 pages (You are welcome to go over length, but not more than 2 pages.) You must cite them as either articles from an anthology/collection (a book edited by an author/s) or from a book (written by the same author).

Model self-research paper: While the below model paper is not on race, it gives you a general sense of what a self-research paper is all about and how students have engaged with course readings to help them explore themselves and the world in which they live.

Paper For Above Instructions

Throughout my life, the concept of race has significantly influenced my identity, worldview, and interactions within society. Growing up in a multicultural community provided me with diverse perspectives; however, it also exposed me to racial biases that shaped my social experiences. This essay delves into how racial ideology and personal encounters have molded not only my identity but also the way I engage with the world, tying in the familial influences and societal structures that contribute to my understanding of race.

To understand the impact of race in my life, I reflect on Tatum's definition of racism as a system that privileges one group over another based on race, thereby shaping individuals' perceptions and experiences. My family, consisting of immigrants from Latin America, instilled in me the importance of cultural identity while also serving as a lens through which I viewed systemic racism. Tatum’s (1997) assertion that racism impacts both the oppressed and the oppressor resonates with my experiences, particularly in how cultural pride coexists with recognition of societal challenges posed by racial discrimination.

DiAngelo (2018) discusses 'White Fragility' and the discomfort that white individuals feel when their racial perspectives are challenged. My interactions at school often highlighted this phenomenon, particularly when discussing race. I observed peers struggling with conversations around privilege and discrimination, indicative of a larger societal reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths about racial inequalities. This discomfort often stemmed from a lack of understanding of the historical context of racism. DiAngelo’s insights about the need for critical engagement with race serve as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue in shifting perceptions and fostering understanding.

The landscape of my childhood neighborhood also paints a poignant picture of racial hierarchies. Living in an area predominantly populated by white families, I often experienced a sense of isolation due to my family's ethnic background. It was during this time that I began to notice the privileges afforded to my peers that were inaccessible to me—a stark illustration of Bonilla-Silva's (2006) notion of the 'new racism,' which operates subtly yet pervasively in casual social interactions. Understanding these dynamics helped me articulate my feelings of alienation and navigate the challenging waters of my own racial identity.

Growing up, I felt the pull of conflicting identities—embracing my Latinx heritage while concurrently navigating the predominantly white societal framework. This duality is mirrored in the readings by Omi and Winant (2014), who describe racialization as an ever-evolving social construct that adapts to changes in societal contexts and power dynamics. My life experiences contribute to the realization that my racial identity is not fixed but is influenced by my environment, interactions, and personal growth.

Furthermore, my family history as immigrants introduces another dimension to my understanding of race. Our narrative reflects the struggles that many immigrant families face, including institutional racism and socio-economic challenges. Cebulko (2017) emphasizes the importance of racial identity within discussions of citizenship and belonging, and this resonates with my family's arduous journey of establishing roots in a foreign land. The sacrifices made by my parents in pursuit of better opportunities serve as a reminder of the structural barriers faced by racial minorities, illuminating the intersection of race and socioeconomic status.

As I ponder my racial identity, I find relevance in Hart's essay (2017) that addresses the implications of being seen through the lens of race in the context of law enforcement and social interactions. My temperament is often shaped by the understanding of being a minority, always cognizant of the perceptions that others may hold. This awareness is indicative of everyday racial microaggressions that many people of color endure, which often leads to heightened stress and anxiety.

As I further my academic journey, I am also acutely aware of the role education plays in shaping racial attitudes. Following Rios (2011), I recognize the discrepancies within school systems and their reinforcement of racial hierarchies. My personal experiences in school highlight how opportunities are often dictated by race, further perpetuating cycles of inequality. It is imperative to embrace educational reforms that challenge these disparities and foster a more equitable learning environment.

Lastly, I hope to challenge my personal biases while advocating for a more inclusive environment. The Importance of bridging personal narratives with societal discourse regarding race cannot be understated. Understanding that race is intertwined with everyday experiences lays the groundwork for combating discrimination and fostering empathy. My exploration through this essay not only acts as self-reflection but also aligns with the broader socio-cultural dialogues vital for change.

In conclusion, race serves as a pervasive influential force that shapes identities, relationships, and societal structures. By critically examining my lived experiences through the lens of race alongside scholarly insights, I am equipped to navigate the complexities of race relations while embracing my cultural background. Through continued dialogue and reflection, it is possible to foster an environment that acknowledges differences while celebrating our shared humanity.

References

• Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press, 2010.
• Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo. Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States. Rowman & Littlefield, 2006.
• Cebulko, Daniel. “We Need to Take Care of Real Americans First.” Getting Real About Race, ed. Services, 2017.
• DiAngelo, Robin. White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Beacon Press, 2018.
• Hart, John. “Dead Black Man, Just Walking.” Getting Real About Race, ed. Services, 2017.
• Omi, Michael, and Howard Winant. Racial Formation in the United States. Routledge, 2014.
• Rios, Victor. Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys. New York University Press, 2011.
• Tatum, Beverly Daniel. Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race. Basic Books, 1997.
• Sen, Amartya. The Idea of Justice. Harvard University Press, 2009.
• Garroutte, Emma. “Being Native American: A Personal Exploration of Identity.” Getting Real About Race, ed. Services, 2017.