This final reflection is meant to be personal; the soundtrack is important, so turn it up!
Thank you all for a great class.
Shannon :)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Course Reflection (final course post)
This final reflection is meant to be personal; the soundtrack is important, so turn it up!
Thank you all for a great class.
Shannon :)
Sunday, July 13, 2014
In the short essay Basketball, by Andrea Busch, the author relates a story of watching men playing pick-up basketball at a public court, and the unusual circumstance of observing a woman trying to play with the men. Basically, even though the female player was good at the game, she wasn't allowed to participate fully, fairly, or for very long, even though she proved her ability. The author doesn't say where or when the events took place, but sadly the story could likely have taken place anywhere.
I was struck by the author's admission that after the new player sank her first shot, "...a huge feeling of relief and satisfaction came over me." Busch (2012). This reminded me of a passage from another article, Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America, by Eva Marie Garroutte, which described the idea that it was preferable to have someone who "looked" more Indian to represent all Native Americans for a college scholarship; this basketball player, who is a woman, not only was representing herself, but was representing all women. The author and observer, also a woman, was counting on the player to demonstrate some prowess and represent women with distinction. In other words, the female player had to be a hero, not just a player.
As teachers, I think that we all can contribute greatly to improving equity, at least in our immediate environment, by simply providing a framework, space, and expectation of equity and respect. Girls should grow up knowing that they can be scientists, artists, leaders, athletes, or whatever they want to be; boys should grow up knowing the same, about boys, girls, or anyone.
In the last lines of the essay, the author remarks that she was both surprised that the girl had not been more accepted, and that she never saw her again at the court; one common truth is that tenacity, or showing up, is half of the battle. However, when a person in a minority feels unaccepted, and maybe even threatened, perseverance becomes heroic. Even though, as is often said, "difference shouldn't matter", I sincerely hope that the next U.S. President is a woman. It's about time.
References:
Busch, A. (2012). Basketball. The Meaning of Difference, McGraw-Hill, NY, NY, p. 122.
Garroutte, E. (2003). Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America. University of California Press.
I was struck by the author's admission that after the new player sank her first shot, "...a huge feeling of relief and satisfaction came over me." Busch (2012). This reminded me of a passage from another article, Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America, by Eva Marie Garroutte, which described the idea that it was preferable to have someone who "looked" more Indian to represent all Native Americans for a college scholarship; this basketball player, who is a woman, not only was representing herself, but was representing all women. The author and observer, also a woman, was counting on the player to demonstrate some prowess and represent women with distinction. In other words, the female player had to be a hero, not just a player.
As teachers, I think that we all can contribute greatly to improving equity, at least in our immediate environment, by simply providing a framework, space, and expectation of equity and respect. Girls should grow up knowing that they can be scientists, artists, leaders, athletes, or whatever they want to be; boys should grow up knowing the same, about boys, girls, or anyone.
In the last lines of the essay, the author remarks that she was both surprised that the girl had not been more accepted, and that she never saw her again at the court; one common truth is that tenacity, or showing up, is half of the battle. However, when a person in a minority feels unaccepted, and maybe even threatened, perseverance becomes heroic. Even though, as is often said, "difference shouldn't matter", I sincerely hope that the next U.S. President is a woman. It's about time.
References:
Busch, A. (2012). Basketball. The Meaning of Difference, McGraw-Hill, NY, NY, p. 122.
Garroutte, E. (2003). Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America. University of California Press.
In the article Cause of Death: Inequality, by Alejandro Reuss, the author discusses how disparity in income, opportunity, and class relate directly to life expectancy and likely causes of death. Basically, the wealthier and higher up on a social hierarchy ladder a person is, the more likely they will live a long life; the lower income and status a person is, the more likely their life will be comparatively short and have a tragic, avoidable end.
While of course there are individual exceptions to the above generalizations, the overwhelming statistics and trends should shock and/or disturb everyone. How is it possible that disparity and the results of disparity are basically accepted as givens? This is nearly impossible to explain.
I have seen health care from a variety of angles here in the U.S., from free clinics, to state-sponsored care, to high-priced insurance (Kaiser-Permanente) and government employess health care; a common thread in all of these has not been quality of care, which has generally been good, but in the need for self-advocacy. Regardless of whether a person is paying nothing, a little, or alot for health care, they MUST be able to speak up for themselves and their loved ones. I can only imagine that it is only the truly wealthy who automatically receive the type of preventative care that we all should. It is simply not likely to be a very personal experience in the average, super busy doctors office. Adequate, but rarely "great".
It requires knowledge, experience, skill and will to self advocate effectively. The societal factors and personal choices (many of which are influenced by societal factors) that contribute to lower qualities of life and life expectancies need to be brought to light and discussed openly.
Reference:
Reuss, A. (2001, June). Cause of Death: Inequality. Dollars and Sense.
While of course there are individual exceptions to the above generalizations, the overwhelming statistics and trends should shock and/or disturb everyone. How is it possible that disparity and the results of disparity are basically accepted as givens? This is nearly impossible to explain.
I have seen health care from a variety of angles here in the U.S., from free clinics, to state-sponsored care, to high-priced insurance (Kaiser-Permanente) and government employess health care; a common thread in all of these has not been quality of care, which has generally been good, but in the need for self-advocacy. Regardless of whether a person is paying nothing, a little, or alot for health care, they MUST be able to speak up for themselves and their loved ones. I can only imagine that it is only the truly wealthy who automatically receive the type of preventative care that we all should. It is simply not likely to be a very personal experience in the average, super busy doctors office. Adequate, but rarely "great".
It requires knowledge, experience, skill and will to self advocate effectively. The societal factors and personal choices (many of which are influenced by societal factors) that contribute to lower qualities of life and life expectancies need to be brought to light and discussed openly.
Reference:
Reuss, A. (2001, June). Cause of Death: Inequality. Dollars and Sense.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
In the article Ethnicity, Ethics, and the Deaf-World by Harlan Lane, the author makes a strong case for the Deaf-World to be considered an ethnic rather than a disability group. Lane provides a framework, and some historic, cultural and anecdotal supports for the argument. Harlan Lane is a prominent spokesperson for the idea of recognizing deaf ethnicity, and writes and lectures on the subject: http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=7102
Overall, I agree with Lane. In my own experience, deaf people very much have a culture that few hearing people ever connect with, much less are a part of. I worked for a time as the dinner cook at a historic residential school for the Deaf, which was a great experience for me, and really a privilege to be even a small part of the community. It only takes a brief time to realize that there is as much diversity within any demographic group as there is between demographic groups.
Years before I ever worked at a school for the Deaf, I was working in an Italian restaurant when a large party of Deaf people came in to eat. The regular waitress couldn't serve them, and though I didn't sign at all at the time, I took their order and had a great time serving them. I was shocked at the tip they left me, which included a note about how much they appreciated having a relaxing meal. It made sad, at the time, to realize that they usually must have awkward or bad experiences when out in the hearing world.
"Difference and diversity...are a major part of what gives life its richness and meaning..." Lane (2005)
Reference:
Lane, H. (2005). Ethnicity, Ethics, and the Deaf-World. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 10(3).
Overall, I agree with Lane. In my own experience, deaf people very much have a culture that few hearing people ever connect with, much less are a part of. I worked for a time as the dinner cook at a historic residential school for the Deaf, which was a great experience for me, and really a privilege to be even a small part of the community. It only takes a brief time to realize that there is as much diversity within any demographic group as there is between demographic groups.
Years before I ever worked at a school for the Deaf, I was working in an Italian restaurant when a large party of Deaf people came in to eat. The regular waitress couldn't serve them, and though I didn't sign at all at the time, I took their order and had a great time serving them. I was shocked at the tip they left me, which included a note about how much they appreciated having a relaxing meal. It made sad, at the time, to realize that they usually must have awkward or bad experiences when out in the hearing world.
"Difference and diversity...are a major part of what gives life its richness and meaning..." Lane (2005)
Reference:
Lane, H. (2005). Ethnicity, Ethics, and the Deaf-World. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 10(3).
Monday, July 7, 2014
In the article Asian American Panethnicity: Contemporary National and Transnational Possibilities, by Yen Le Espiritu, the author examines the notion of an "Asian" identity in the United States. This complex analysis includes some of the history, reasons, inconsistencies, innacuracies, pros and cons of the pan-Asian classification.
Years ago, I worked at a trucking company. One of my co-workers was a woman who had just moved to the U.S. from the Philippines. There was one day when someone said something about "Asian people"; I don't remember what was said exactly, but it was (I believe) not meant to be negative. However, my friend was deeply, deeply offended. She told me she had never heard that word used to describe people, and didn't see how or why the word "Asian" would describe her, a Filipina who had emigrated to the U.S. I explained that, as far as I knew, the term just referred to the continent of Asia, similar to Europe/European, or Africa/African. She was skeptical, and said that the Philippines are the Philippines, and not Asia. From this I learned that even though, for example, the Philippines are a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at least one wonderful person from the Philippines did not ever want to be referred to as "Asian".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_peoples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines
Years ago, I worked at a trucking company. One of my co-workers was a woman who had just moved to the U.S. from the Philippines. There was one day when someone said something about "Asian people"; I don't remember what was said exactly, but it was (I believe) not meant to be negative. However, my friend was deeply, deeply offended. She told me she had never heard that word used to describe people, and didn't see how or why the word "Asian" would describe her, a Filipina who had emigrated to the U.S. I explained that, as far as I knew, the term just referred to the continent of Asia, similar to Europe/European, or Africa/African. She was skeptical, and said that the Philippines are the Philippines, and not Asia. From this I learned that even though, for example, the Philippines are a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at least one wonderful person from the Philippines did not ever want to be referred to as "Asian".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_peoples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines
In the article From Friendly Foreigner to Enemy Race, author John Tehranian analyzes the Middle Eastern identity in the United States. With insight, the author looks at both group self-identity and the evolving and divergent views of "Middle Eastern" identity by others. Tehranian provides great history related to the topic. As an aside, I enjoyed reading this article, in addition to the content, because I could tell it had been written by a lawyer ("on the one hand, on the other hand...).
As a child in San Antonio, I remember a period of about two years when several families from Saudi Arabia moved into the same block of the apartment complex where I grew up. This of course meant not too much, except that every evening, men would come to the basketball court where me and my friends played, and would lay down mats, all facing the same direction, and pray together. This would last about ten or fifteen minutes. I think that it must have been an extended network of friends, as only some of the guys lived at the apartment complex (which was mostly families). I always found this to be a peaceful time, and actually would step off the court (we all would) and hang around while they prayed. There were always guys smiling and thanking us kids after their prayers. I remember too that my family was the only local family who went to a traditional Saudi wedding party, held at the apartment club house: there was a men's party that my Dad and I went to, and a women's party that my Mom and baby brother went to. The party was very joyful, with a huge feast, and gifts for everyone.
I have told this story several times, and have gotten many different reactions, although rarely a reaction that I am expecting or share. I am curious what others reaction to the story are?
Reference:
Tehranian, J. (2009). Whitewashed: America's Invisible Middle Eastern Minority. New York: New York University Press.
As a child in San Antonio, I remember a period of about two years when several families from Saudi Arabia moved into the same block of the apartment complex where I grew up. This of course meant not too much, except that every evening, men would come to the basketball court where me and my friends played, and would lay down mats, all facing the same direction, and pray together. This would last about ten or fifteen minutes. I think that it must have been an extended network of friends, as only some of the guys lived at the apartment complex (which was mostly families). I always found this to be a peaceful time, and actually would step off the court (we all would) and hang around while they prayed. There were always guys smiling and thanking us kids after their prayers. I remember too that my family was the only local family who went to a traditional Saudi wedding party, held at the apartment club house: there was a men's party that my Dad and I went to, and a women's party that my Mom and baby brother went to. The party was very joyful, with a huge feast, and gifts for everyone.
I have told this story several times, and have gotten many different reactions, although rarely a reaction that I am expecting or share. I am curious what others reaction to the story are?
Reference:
Tehranian, J. (2009). Whitewashed: America's Invisible Middle Eastern Minority. New York: New York University Press.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Fasting: Culture, Medicine, and Understanding
I just finished filling out a teaching application, and one of the required questions asked how I would respond to a student recently from Somalia who did not want to participate in sports because she was fasting. The scenario also asked me to evaluate the negative response of a hypothetical teacher, who had assumed that the student was either anorexic or that her parents were not feeding her. I thought this was an interesting question, as a link between culture, religion, and education was clearly presented, with the overall point I believe being not just an acceptance of diversity, but a respect for diversity. Knowledge and understanding, without judgment. I found a great article on the subject:
https://ethnomed.org/clinical/nutrition/food-and-fasting-in-somali-culture
This led me to explore the whole website, ethnomed. It is specifically meant to be relevant to people in the Seattle area, but has a wealth of information that can apply here and anywhere. Health care workers, teachers, or anyone interested, can browse by health topic or by any culture or ethnicity listed. The site lists some of the cultures most found in Seattle, but has links to many more, as well as to a variety of articles. This, I believe, highlights an importance of acknowledging ethnicity, and of gaining knowledge for deeper understanding. By improving relationships and increasing understanding, resources like this can contribute greatly to best practice, and can also literally save lives. As medicine, and hopefully education, get more personal and tailored to each individuals' needs, it stands that acknowledging ethnicity and culture as a factor in a persons overall health and identity is important. There are also some interesting links related to the subject of cultural competency.
https://ethnomed.org/about
https://ethnomed.org/clinical/nutrition/food-and-fasting-in-somali-culture
This led me to explore the whole website, ethnomed. It is specifically meant to be relevant to people in the Seattle area, but has a wealth of information that can apply here and anywhere. Health care workers, teachers, or anyone interested, can browse by health topic or by any culture or ethnicity listed. The site lists some of the cultures most found in Seattle, but has links to many more, as well as to a variety of articles. This, I believe, highlights an importance of acknowledging ethnicity, and of gaining knowledge for deeper understanding. By improving relationships and increasing understanding, resources like this can contribute greatly to best practice, and can also literally save lives. As medicine, and hopefully education, get more personal and tailored to each individuals' needs, it stands that acknowledging ethnicity and culture as a factor in a persons overall health and identity is important. There are also some interesting links related to the subject of cultural competency.
https://ethnomed.org/about
Monday, June 30, 2014
My Strategies
In the essay My Strategies, by Eric Jackson (p. 243-244), the author provides a personal account of being biracial in a race-conscious society. Jackson describes some recurring experiences and the strategies he has developed to deal with different situations. He states as a disclaimer that he is generalizing, and that there are always exceptions to generalizations, but emphasizes that he repeatedly puts up with a lot of the same thing. The short essay is well worth reading, as Jackson shares valuable perspective and insight, I think relatable to some readers and educative to others.
I am a person of multiple ethnicity. In my own family, various family members embrace, accept, or deny various parts of our ancestry, and for different reasons. I generalize, but it is a bit of a leap of faith to reveal my ancestry to strangers, especially to people who identify themselves as white. Some people simply don't want to process the whole complex truth, and, similar to Jackson's experiences, want to tell me that "I look white". Ironically, some of those people simultaneously say that "race (or ethnicity) doesn't matter". If they truly believe that, than why say that I look white? Other people look at me differently (depending on which ethnicity I reveal), or look to me when a particular ethnicity is mentioned after learning of my ancestry. In my experience, in a white environment, mentioning anything other than European ancestry can be a risk to the person who otherwise could be "passing", and diverse ancestry is usually dismissed; in Latino or Black environments, ethnic ancestry is usually treated with interest and respect.
Some of the essays we have been reading portray racism as solely an American issue, but this is not the case. The following video shows just a little of the absurd racism that Kim Kardashian has been exposed to recently when in Europe. There's a short ad, but the clip is worth seeing:
https://tv.yahoo.com/video/kim-k-encounters-racism-vienna-073754240.html
I am a person of multiple ethnicity. In my own family, various family members embrace, accept, or deny various parts of our ancestry, and for different reasons. I generalize, but it is a bit of a leap of faith to reveal my ancestry to strangers, especially to people who identify themselves as white. Some people simply don't want to process the whole complex truth, and, similar to Jackson's experiences, want to tell me that "I look white". Ironically, some of those people simultaneously say that "race (or ethnicity) doesn't matter". If they truly believe that, than why say that I look white? Other people look at me differently (depending on which ethnicity I reveal), or look to me when a particular ethnicity is mentioned after learning of my ancestry. In my experience, in a white environment, mentioning anything other than European ancestry can be a risk to the person who otherwise could be "passing", and diverse ancestry is usually dismissed; in Latino or Black environments, ethnic ancestry is usually treated with interest and respect.
Some of the essays we have been reading portray racism as solely an American issue, but this is not the case. The following video shows just a little of the absurd racism that Kim Kardashian has been exposed to recently when in Europe. There's a short ad, but the clip is worth seeing:
https://tv.yahoo.com/video/kim-k-encounters-racism-vienna-073754240.html
Monday, June 23, 2014
Caucasian aisle?
Here is an interesting Scholarly critique of the George Lopez show
The article is from Arizona State University. I had hoped to find a clip of George Lopez' stand-up joke about wondering if supermarkets throughout Latin America should have "Caucasian aisles" stocked with items like mac & cheese, mayonnaise, pork & beans, etc. This of course is in reference to the Hispanic section found in most American supermarkets. I so far have not found a video clip, but the article actually quotes the same joke which he incorporated into his sitcom.
Comedy like this can be a great springboard for thought or conversation. I am not at all saying that I represent anyone other than myself, but as a Hispanic man I have always been glad that there is a Hispanic section of most grocery stores; it is nice to easily find the Cafe Bustelo, plaintain chips, some Goya products that I like, and prayer candles that I need. I remember positively thinking something like "Awww...." when I saw a southern Vermont supermarket first establish a "Hispanic Foods" section. Last month, at Big Lots in Morrisville, one end of an aisle spontaneously featured chicharones, bagged churros, glass bottle Coke, and other products from Mexico. Growing up in San Antonio, I was glad to see it, and bought a little of everything. Weeks later, even though it's also a little weird for these items to be sectioned off, I was disappointed to see the section gone. I don't fault Big Lots, though...I think they only stock what they get and what they sell. I appreciate that they tried.
Skeptics will say that it is simply a matter of available market/supply-and-demand. But in a way, I think that having a Hispanic foods aisle speaks to not only a tolerance of diversity, but a respect for diversity. Diversity, in all forms, is appreciated when "differences" are respected. I think that many well-meaning people make the mistake of trying to pretend that diversity doesn't exist; I have done this myself. It doesn't work. The better route is to respect everything that makes each of us who we are. It is far more wonderful to surprise someone with knowledge than with dismissal.
In the alternative, perhaps the dedicated store sections are simply a part of a process. A Latin Food Market in California I know of simply stocks everything by type of item, placing the Jasmine rice side by side with the Goya rice and the Uncle Ben's. It's all rice, after all. That works, too. In the United States, many shoppers have the luxury of choosing from a variety of flavors, styles, qualities, prices, and packages of similar items. It's important in this context that everyone's tastes and preferences are represented.
The article is from Arizona State University. I had hoped to find a clip of George Lopez' stand-up joke about wondering if supermarkets throughout Latin America should have "Caucasian aisles" stocked with items like mac & cheese, mayonnaise, pork & beans, etc. This of course is in reference to the Hispanic section found in most American supermarkets. I so far have not found a video clip, but the article actually quotes the same joke which he incorporated into his sitcom.
Comedy like this can be a great springboard for thought or conversation. I am not at all saying that I represent anyone other than myself, but as a Hispanic man I have always been glad that there is a Hispanic section of most grocery stores; it is nice to easily find the Cafe Bustelo, plaintain chips, some Goya products that I like, and prayer candles that I need. I remember positively thinking something like "Awww...." when I saw a southern Vermont supermarket first establish a "Hispanic Foods" section. Last month, at Big Lots in Morrisville, one end of an aisle spontaneously featured chicharones, bagged churros, glass bottle Coke, and other products from Mexico. Growing up in San Antonio, I was glad to see it, and bought a little of everything. Weeks later, even though it's also a little weird for these items to be sectioned off, I was disappointed to see the section gone. I don't fault Big Lots, though...I think they only stock what they get and what they sell. I appreciate that they tried.
Skeptics will say that it is simply a matter of available market/supply-and-demand. But in a way, I think that having a Hispanic foods aisle speaks to not only a tolerance of diversity, but a respect for diversity. Diversity, in all forms, is appreciated when "differences" are respected. I think that many well-meaning people make the mistake of trying to pretend that diversity doesn't exist; I have done this myself. It doesn't work. The better route is to respect everything that makes each of us who we are. It is far more wonderful to surprise someone with knowledge than with dismissal.
In the alternative, perhaps the dedicated store sections are simply a part of a process. A Latin Food Market in California I know of simply stocks everything by type of item, placing the Jasmine rice side by side with the Goya rice and the Uncle Ben's. It's all rice, after all. That works, too. In the United States, many shoppers have the luxury of choosing from a variety of flavors, styles, qualities, prices, and packages of similar items. It's important in this context that everyone's tastes and preferences are represented.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Reading 37: See Baby Discriminate
In the article See Baby Discriminate, by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, the authors describe several research studies involving children's perceptions of race. Bronson and Merryman make a strong case for open discussions about "race", ethnicity, appearance, perception, history, and meaning in contemporary society.
I was heartened reading this article, as I had very recently had a long conversation with my oldest son about all of these things: our ethnic background, history, privilege, prejudice, and the places we've lived and people we have known and know. I have talked openly with my kids all along, but this talk was "big". The conversation was prompted because we were working side by side, and he read my post "Does 'passing' still occur?" It was not an easy conversation, and towards the middle of it, I questioned myself (is this necessary right now?); we persevered, and the conversation honestly crescendoed with greater understanding and happiness for both of us. I then explained that the reason why a parent would have talks like this is because we care about our kids, and want them to be honest, informed, loving, and prepared for the world. I thought of it as good modelling. Very interestingly, prior to reading this article, I said to my son that I can guarantee that most, if not all, parents of our friends in some of the places we have lived have had at least one big talk like this with their kids, but that in some of the places we have lived probably very few parents have had positive, honest conversations with their kids about race or ethnicity. He accurately filled in the blanks on his own, knowing that to parents in D.C., open conversations about "race" are crucial and common. He also offered that at the school he attended in California, open discussions about these subjects also occurred, but likely from a different point of view than in D.C. He was accurate in guessing that here in Vermont, conversations like ours were probably rare. The research in the article confirmed these hunches, citing a study of 17,000 families that found that even well-intentioned "white" parents were unlikely to discuss (or know how to discuss) ethnicity with their kids, other than saying "we are all the same".
One criticism I have of the article is it's citation of critical studies of "diverse" schools, without ever defining what "diverse" means. I could talk about this a lot, as I have seen both some confirmation of their findings and refutation.
I hope that everyone reads this article, as I feel it addresses a common refrain of "What difference does it make? Aren't we all the same?" Ethnicity should never be how anyone is judged. But, ethnicity DOES matter, and I don't think it is appropriate or respectful for members of any ethnicity to say that it doesn't, except for maybe in the "big picture" sense. None of us really knows, or will ever know, what it is truly like to be someone else, or what we would do or feel if we were one ethnicity or another, or multiple ethnicity. It's best just to listen, share, and not judge. I think that's how we can grow.
Reference:
Bronson, P., & Merryman, A. (2009, September 14). See Baby Discriminate. Newsweek.
I was heartened reading this article, as I had very recently had a long conversation with my oldest son about all of these things: our ethnic background, history, privilege, prejudice, and the places we've lived and people we have known and know. I have talked openly with my kids all along, but this talk was "big". The conversation was prompted because we were working side by side, and he read my post "Does 'passing' still occur?" It was not an easy conversation, and towards the middle of it, I questioned myself (is this necessary right now?); we persevered, and the conversation honestly crescendoed with greater understanding and happiness for both of us. I then explained that the reason why a parent would have talks like this is because we care about our kids, and want them to be honest, informed, loving, and prepared for the world. I thought of it as good modelling. Very interestingly, prior to reading this article, I said to my son that I can guarantee that most, if not all, parents of our friends in some of the places we have lived have had at least one big talk like this with their kids, but that in some of the places we have lived probably very few parents have had positive, honest conversations with their kids about race or ethnicity. He accurately filled in the blanks on his own, knowing that to parents in D.C., open conversations about "race" are crucial and common. He also offered that at the school he attended in California, open discussions about these subjects also occurred, but likely from a different point of view than in D.C. He was accurate in guessing that here in Vermont, conversations like ours were probably rare. The research in the article confirmed these hunches, citing a study of 17,000 families that found that even well-intentioned "white" parents were unlikely to discuss (or know how to discuss) ethnicity with their kids, other than saying "we are all the same".
One criticism I have of the article is it's citation of critical studies of "diverse" schools, without ever defining what "diverse" means. I could talk about this a lot, as I have seen both some confirmation of their findings and refutation.
I hope that everyone reads this article, as I feel it addresses a common refrain of "What difference does it make? Aren't we all the same?" Ethnicity should never be how anyone is judged. But, ethnicity DOES matter, and I don't think it is appropriate or respectful for members of any ethnicity to say that it doesn't, except for maybe in the "big picture" sense. None of us really knows, or will ever know, what it is truly like to be someone else, or what we would do or feel if we were one ethnicity or another, or multiple ethnicity. It's best just to listen, share, and not judge. I think that's how we can grow.
Reference:
Bronson, P., & Merryman, A. (2009, September 14). See Baby Discriminate. Newsweek.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The Heterosexual Questionnaire
In The Heterosexual Questionnaire, author Martin Rochlin "reverses the questions that are very often asked of gays and lesbians by straight people". (Rochlin, 1985). For being such a short article, I feel this questionnaire had a substantial impact on me.
The questionnaire simply and brilliantly asks the reader questions like, "What do you think caused your heterosexuality? When and how did you first decide you were a heterosexual?" (1985). These questions made me stop cold, smile, and think. I think that even relatively open minded, caring people who are straight can still think that not being heterosexual is different, and other-than-me. It was a revelation to realize how silly, ignorant, and even cruel such seemingly harmless questions were.
I am reminded of a recent news story, where the Principal of Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., recently came out as gay. It was a triumphant event, and he was met with cheers and support from his students and community. Even though the D.C. Council has it's faults, I was really proud to read Mayor Vincent Gray's response to the Westboro Baptist Church.
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/06/pete-cahall-wilson-high-school-principal-comes-out-as-gay-during-gay-pride-celebration-103806.html
As it turned out, the protesters numbered twelve, while a joyful counter-protest numbered "in the hundreds".
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Westboro-Church-Plans-Protest-Outside-Wilson-High-School-262352461.html
Diversity is all about acknowledging and embracing everything that makes us all individuals. Hopefully, we are well on our way to being a society where everyone can be themselves.
Reference:
Rochlin, M. (1985). The Heterosexual Questionnaire. Lesbian and Gay Issues: A Resource Manual for Social Workers.
The questionnaire simply and brilliantly asks the reader questions like, "What do you think caused your heterosexuality? When and how did you first decide you were a heterosexual?" (1985). These questions made me stop cold, smile, and think. I think that even relatively open minded, caring people who are straight can still think that not being heterosexual is different, and other-than-me. It was a revelation to realize how silly, ignorant, and even cruel such seemingly harmless questions were.
I am reminded of a recent news story, where the Principal of Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., recently came out as gay. It was a triumphant event, and he was met with cheers and support from his students and community. Even though the D.C. Council has it's faults, I was really proud to read Mayor Vincent Gray's response to the Westboro Baptist Church.
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/06/pete-cahall-wilson-high-school-principal-comes-out-as-gay-during-gay-pride-celebration-103806.html
As it turned out, the protesters numbered twelve, while a joyful counter-protest numbered "in the hundreds".
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Westboro-Church-Plans-Protest-Outside-Wilson-High-School-262352461.html
Diversity is all about acknowledging and embracing everything that makes us all individuals. Hopefully, we are well on our way to being a society where everyone can be themselves.
Reference:
Rochlin, M. (1985). The Heterosexual Questionnaire. Lesbian and Gay Issues: A Resource Manual for Social Workers.
One Cuban American's Experience
In the article Latinos and the U.S. Race Structure, by Clara Rodriguez (2000), issues of race, ethnicity, national origin, and immigration are discussed. Particularly valuable is the perspective and shared experience of the author, who identifies herself in the first sentence as follows: "According to definitions common in the United States, I am a light-skinned Latina...". As with previous articles from our book, the issues, histories, and experiences within and because of these topics are complex, with multiple truths often coinciding. The author mentions repeatedly that the experiences of one person are not necessarily the experiences of another, and that generalizations are just that. By illustrating a wide variety of expressions and opinions from within the same demographic, and how even those change depending on context, I think the author has done a great service to the readers.
For me, a major topic here is identification-by-self versus identification-by-others. When a person has a fixed idea of what race or ethnicity is or should look like, they tend to have expectations for how a people (and thus a person) should look, sound and behave. My mother is from Cuba; my maternal grandparents were also Cuban, with roots and complex histories going back generations. I have always identified as Hispanic, and proudly so, but without thinking this part of my identity, or my pride, makes me any better (or any worse) than anyone else. It is simply me.
Most people I interact with don't realize I am Hispanic until they find out or are told, but most people are not surprised to learn this about me. I'm not sure if there could be something like Cuban DNA, as current DNA analysis would show the haplogroups of origin, which could be from anywhere, but most commonly are European and African haplogroups, and also Native American, Middle Eastern and Asian. Cuba has a long history of admixture, similar in some ways to U.S. history but decidedly different in many ways as well. Many Cuban people are quite proud of all aspects of their ancestry, and I share in this viewpoint. I am American (nationality), Hispanic/Cuban-American (ethnicity), of English, Spanish, Irish, Native American, Middle Eastern, Benin/Togo (West African), French, Italian, and North African ancestry.
The shared goal of all of the articles I have read so far is to encourage understanding of individuals as complex beings. "Race", ethnicity, gender, religion, orientation, (dis)ability, and even social class can all be important components of who a person is, but even all of those demographic categories combined, with all the variance possible even within each category, are still only layers of who a person is as an individual. However, I sometimes grow tired of the refrains of "what difference does it make, aren't we all the same?", because to me that is a denial of the complexity and uniqueness of each human being. I think the goal of diversity is to embrace distinction; complexity should invite interest, not judgment or dismissal.
In undergraduate school here at JSC, I had been excited to enroll in Spanish III. I know that many people say that language is a fundamental part of culture, but for me, even though I grew up hearing and understanding Spanish, I rarely ever had to speak Spanish. In my experience in San Antonio, school, TV, etc. were all in English, with some Spanish phrases and words mixed in. My Mom, and of course my Abuelita spoke Cuban Spanish with each other, but mostly English with me. So today, I understand and speak some Spanish, but am not fluent (yet!). To me, culture and identity include language, but also includes stories, foods, holidays, and so much more. Culture and identity are a part of family; it's environment; it's who you are, and who I am.
Back to my story, here at JSC, I was excited to enroll in Spanish III, which I thought would be about the perfect level for me. I introduced myself to the professor with an open heart, identifying myself as Cuban-American and very much looking forward to see if I could unlock all of the language I grew up with. I wasn't prepared for her reaction; she looked at me strangely, and said nothing. During class introductions, she said to the class: "there is a person in this class who has said they are Hispanic...can anyone guess who it is?" True story. I'm not sure what the non-Hispanic teacher thought a Cuban-American should look or sound like, but apparently it wasn't me. Needless to say, the class was pretty de mierda, but being me, I stuck with it (it was mostly concerned with original (Spain) Spanish grammar) and the professor begrudgingly gave me a B+. I did not take Spanish IV.
It's terrible enough when a person tries to force their worldview on anyone else, and especially terrible when a person questions, much less ridicules, a persons identity. When mistreatment comes from a supposed authority, the results can be even worse. For me, this relatively minor incident was hurtful, but I was able to move on easily. Yet, I still remember it?
Rodriguez, C. (2000). Latinos and the U.S. Race Structure. Changing Race: Latinos, the Census, and the History of Ethnicity in the United States. NY, NY.
For me, a major topic here is identification-by-self versus identification-by-others. When a person has a fixed idea of what race or ethnicity is or should look like, they tend to have expectations for how a people (and thus a person) should look, sound and behave. My mother is from Cuba; my maternal grandparents were also Cuban, with roots and complex histories going back generations. I have always identified as Hispanic, and proudly so, but without thinking this part of my identity, or my pride, makes me any better (or any worse) than anyone else. It is simply me.
Most people I interact with don't realize I am Hispanic until they find out or are told, but most people are not surprised to learn this about me. I'm not sure if there could be something like Cuban DNA, as current DNA analysis would show the haplogroups of origin, which could be from anywhere, but most commonly are European and African haplogroups, and also Native American, Middle Eastern and Asian. Cuba has a long history of admixture, similar in some ways to U.S. history but decidedly different in many ways as well. Many Cuban people are quite proud of all aspects of their ancestry, and I share in this viewpoint. I am American (nationality), Hispanic/Cuban-American (ethnicity), of English, Spanish, Irish, Native American, Middle Eastern, Benin/Togo (West African), French, Italian, and North African ancestry.
The shared goal of all of the articles I have read so far is to encourage understanding of individuals as complex beings. "Race", ethnicity, gender, religion, orientation, (dis)ability, and even social class can all be important components of who a person is, but even all of those demographic categories combined, with all the variance possible even within each category, are still only layers of who a person is as an individual. However, I sometimes grow tired of the refrains of "what difference does it make, aren't we all the same?", because to me that is a denial of the complexity and uniqueness of each human being. I think the goal of diversity is to embrace distinction; complexity should invite interest, not judgment or dismissal.
In undergraduate school here at JSC, I had been excited to enroll in Spanish III. I know that many people say that language is a fundamental part of culture, but for me, even though I grew up hearing and understanding Spanish, I rarely ever had to speak Spanish. In my experience in San Antonio, school, TV, etc. were all in English, with some Spanish phrases and words mixed in. My Mom, and of course my Abuelita spoke Cuban Spanish with each other, but mostly English with me. So today, I understand and speak some Spanish, but am not fluent (yet!). To me, culture and identity include language, but also includes stories, foods, holidays, and so much more. Culture and identity are a part of family; it's environment; it's who you are, and who I am.
Back to my story, here at JSC, I was excited to enroll in Spanish III, which I thought would be about the perfect level for me. I introduced myself to the professor with an open heart, identifying myself as Cuban-American and very much looking forward to see if I could unlock all of the language I grew up with. I wasn't prepared for her reaction; she looked at me strangely, and said nothing. During class introductions, she said to the class: "there is a person in this class who has said they are Hispanic...can anyone guess who it is?" True story. I'm not sure what the non-Hispanic teacher thought a Cuban-American should look or sound like, but apparently it wasn't me. Needless to say, the class was pretty de mierda, but being me, I stuck with it (it was mostly concerned with original (Spain) Spanish grammar) and the professor begrudgingly gave me a B+. I did not take Spanish IV.
It's terrible enough when a person tries to force their worldview on anyone else, and especially terrible when a person questions, much less ridicules, a persons identity. When mistreatment comes from a supposed authority, the results can be even worse. For me, this relatively minor incident was hurtful, but I was able to move on easily. Yet, I still remember it?
Rodriguez, C. (2000). Latinos and the U.S. Race Structure. Changing Race: Latinos, the Census, and the History of Ethnicity in the United States. NY, NY.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Does "passing" still occur?
In the article Who Is Black? One Nation's Definition, by F. James Davis (1991), the author explains the history and application of the "one-drop" rule. Davis also uses three public figures as specific examples of the complexities of self-identity, identification by others, and "passing".
It is interesting to read that Vanessa Williams was used as one three examples of persons with multiple/complex lineage. Ms. Williams has recently became a spokesperson/advocate for autosomal DNA testing: http://blogs.ancestry.com/cm/2013/05/14/actress-vanessa-williams-explains-how-dna-powers-her-family-tree/ She explains how new genetic information has impacted her and her family.
One of the other examples Davis uses is Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. This was very interesting to me, and brought me back to a class I was in as a student at the University of the District of Columbia. A professor in a class had admonished me for not knowing much about the late Congressman and civil rights leader, and I felt bad, researching Powell immediately. However, in researching Powell I learned about Bayard Rustin, who was to me a far more interesting (and much more legitimate) civil rights leader, and who was never mentioned by the professor. Rustin, who was openly gay, had been an important member of Dr. King's circle until Powell's prejudice and harassment forced him out of the SCLC.
Reading the Davis article, I was struck by Davis' description of Powell as "passing", something I had not previously considered but connected to the question posed at the end of the article (and the title of my post). I am not at all disparaging UDC and am immensely proud of my time there and association with the university, but while a student at UDC, a professor once said to me "You are passing." I knew of the term, but told myself they were referring to my grade for the course. At the time, I didn't have the specific knowledge that I now do about my lineage, because of major gaps in my family tree. Today, I know that in regards to me "passing", the professor was correct. I wonder now if that was why I was expected to be knowledgeable of Powell.
I agree with my oldest son, who said, "Ethnicity defines a part of who you are, but should not be how you are defined." I look forward to a future not where everyone looks the same, but where everyone is distinctly themselves without fear, favor, or prejudice.
It is interesting how scholars wrote on topics like the ones discussed in the article. It is only a recent trend for authors to discuss themselves and their own identity, history and subsequent perspective on the issues they describe, yet I think a vital component of progressive discourse and scholarship.
Reference:
Davis, F. J. (1991). Who is Black? One Nation's Definition. Pennsylvania State University Press.
It is interesting to read that Vanessa Williams was used as one three examples of persons with multiple/complex lineage. Ms. Williams has recently became a spokesperson/advocate for autosomal DNA testing: http://blogs.ancestry.com/cm/2013/05/14/actress-vanessa-williams-explains-how-dna-powers-her-family-tree/ She explains how new genetic information has impacted her and her family.
One of the other examples Davis uses is Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. This was very interesting to me, and brought me back to a class I was in as a student at the University of the District of Columbia. A professor in a class had admonished me for not knowing much about the late Congressman and civil rights leader, and I felt bad, researching Powell immediately. However, in researching Powell I learned about Bayard Rustin, who was to me a far more interesting (and much more legitimate) civil rights leader, and who was never mentioned by the professor. Rustin, who was openly gay, had been an important member of Dr. King's circle until Powell's prejudice and harassment forced him out of the SCLC.
Reading the Davis article, I was struck by Davis' description of Powell as "passing", something I had not previously considered but connected to the question posed at the end of the article (and the title of my post). I am not at all disparaging UDC and am immensely proud of my time there and association with the university, but while a student at UDC, a professor once said to me "You are passing." I knew of the term, but told myself they were referring to my grade for the course. At the time, I didn't have the specific knowledge that I now do about my lineage, because of major gaps in my family tree. Today, I know that in regards to me "passing", the professor was correct. I wonder now if that was why I was expected to be knowledgeable of Powell.
I agree with my oldest son, who said, "Ethnicity defines a part of who you are, but should not be how you are defined." I look forward to a future not where everyone looks the same, but where everyone is distinctly themselves without fear, favor, or prejudice.
It is interesting how scholars wrote on topics like the ones discussed in the article. It is only a recent trend for authors to discuss themselves and their own identity, history and subsequent perspective on the issues they describe, yet I think a vital component of progressive discourse and scholarship.
Reference:
Davis, F. J. (1991). Who is Black? One Nation's Definition. Pennsylvania State University Press.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Children are People too
In the article Human Rights, Diversity, and Citizenship Education by James A. Banks, the author calls on readers to examine the way children tend to be treated in our school system. By citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the author calls on everyone to recognize people of all ages as equal citizens. I couldn't agree more.
I have had great experiences student teaching, and with my own children attending public schools in Washington, D.C., California, and Vermont. With every move, I have encountered involved parents and sincere teachers. However, I have also observed a quiet crisis, and this article speaks directly to the way some children are treated in school, and I think EVERY child at some point experiences disrespect from a school staff member.
Even at "great" schools, I have seen children talked down to, made to cry, and physically handled for very small infractions. Usually, simply not following the rules is enough reason for a teacher or para to humiliate the student. The infraction need not be anything egregious; talking quietly in line is enough reason for some staff to reprimand a student. This crisis, I feel, has a cumulative effect on the individual and on students as a whole. Even if not the one reprimanded, students still feel for their peer who is repeatedly scolded. All of this is so counter-productive to education, citizen-building, and lifelong learning as to be unconscionable.
An adult talking in line at the bank with their friend would not be told to go to the back of the line, much less to go and sit in the corner for five minutes. Why is it common practice for children in schools to be treated this way?
I do take issue with the author when on page 107 he states, "Non-reflective and unexamined cultural attachments will perpetuate cultural and ethnic ethnocentrism". (Banks, 2009). I don't think that a person needs to critically examine their fondness for a particular cuisine, for example. But, I do agree that students should be global and local, proud of their culture(s) and origin(s) and appreciative and informed of all others.
Reference:
Banks, J. (2009). Human Rights, Diversity, and Citizenship Education. The Educational Forum, 73, 100-109.
I have had great experiences student teaching, and with my own children attending public schools in Washington, D.C., California, and Vermont. With every move, I have encountered involved parents and sincere teachers. However, I have also observed a quiet crisis, and this article speaks directly to the way some children are treated in school, and I think EVERY child at some point experiences disrespect from a school staff member.
Even at "great" schools, I have seen children talked down to, made to cry, and physically handled for very small infractions. Usually, simply not following the rules is enough reason for a teacher or para to humiliate the student. The infraction need not be anything egregious; talking quietly in line is enough reason for some staff to reprimand a student. This crisis, I feel, has a cumulative effect on the individual and on students as a whole. Even if not the one reprimanded, students still feel for their peer who is repeatedly scolded. All of this is so counter-productive to education, citizen-building, and lifelong learning as to be unconscionable.
An adult talking in line at the bank with their friend would not be told to go to the back of the line, much less to go and sit in the corner for five minutes. Why is it common practice for children in schools to be treated this way?
I do take issue with the author when on page 107 he states, "Non-reflective and unexamined cultural attachments will perpetuate cultural and ethnic ethnocentrism". (Banks, 2009). I don't think that a person needs to critically examine their fondness for a particular cuisine, for example. But, I do agree that students should be global and local, proud of their culture(s) and origin(s) and appreciative and informed of all others.
Reference:
Banks, J. (2009). Human Rights, Diversity, and Citizenship Education. The Educational Forum, 73, 100-109.
Mixed Race or Multiple Ethnicities?
In the article "Race" and the Construction of Human Identity, author Audrey Smedley (1998) provides historical information and analysis regarding the concept of "race" in the Americas, and to some extent, the world. I found the article generally insightful and extremely interesting, but I was confused with the author's adamant position against people identifying as "mixed-race". "The tragedy for "mixed" people is that powerful social lie, the assumption at the heart of "race", that a presumed biological essence is the basis of one's true identity". (Smedley, 1998).
My first reaction was surprise that the author, who had otherwise seemed critical and concerned with facts, would seem to target individuals for their identity. I do not think that it is for anyone to ridicule or criticize another persons identity, and it is particularly insensitive to single out people who feel their personal story is too complicated to be summed up with one designation or another. I thought that it was the author who was misunderstanding those who self-identify as "mixed-race" rather than the misunderstanding of the people she is criticizing. However, thorough reading of the article and subsequent publications from the author somewhat mitigate the harshness of her accusations. I think also that information and understandings regarding the entire topic are changing rapidly and frequently, so, as always, context is an important consideration.
At first it seemed to me that the author had a personal reaction, and some amount of hostility, towards those who self-identify as "mixed-race". This led me to research the article, the author, and some of the authors more recent writings. The always complex and contentious discussion of "race", culture, society, and science continues to be relevant and fascinating to many scholars and people in general, and is highly relevant, and personal, to many of us. I am excited to read the authors newest book, The History of Race in North America (2011), which apparently is in it's 4th edition, although new DNA tests (autosomal) predict with more detail a persons total lineage, which is a crucial distinction from "race", or even ethnicity. Of course, although some people still believe so, culture is not appearance, and this is precisely what the most recent DNA studies are showing. Ultimately the answer is that people are people. All humans share a majority of the same DNA, as tracing the human genome has confirmed. It is the .01% that makes us all unique individuals. The concept of "race" is clearly fabricated, and has been solely a tragic and evil tool implemented and enforced by "the powers that be", a way of consolidating power in the hands of the few and fomenting discord and exploitation of the majority. In the past, damaging misinformation has been propagated in the name of science, so we should be vigilant and critical whenever science is brought into the discussion of racism. Although "race" is a false concept, haplotype and haplogroups are real. Discovering the genetic markers that describe a person's lineage can provide important information about parentage, family history, and solve mysteries. Haplotype and haplogroup mapping, with understanding, can ultimately provide a deeper understanding of humanity, history, and proves that diversity is a fundamental part of the human story. Haplogroups are basically geographic areas where a majority of people share (or shared) an abundance of haplotypes, genetic markers/mutations that can be found in every human around the world but are found most frequently in particular areas. The presence of a particular haplogroup, or of multiple haplogroups, does not necessarily correspond to a persons appearance.
To me, this is where the current findings get really interesting. Autosomal DNA mapping shows that there appears to be the most genetic diversity in Africa (9 haplogroups) and Europe (9 haplogroups), 3 haplogroups found in Asia, 2 in the South Pacific, 1 in Native America, and 2 for West Asia (Middle/Near East and Caucasus). Many Americans, of all lineages, are finding out more about their family origins (and themselves) through these autosomal DNA tests, which look at the totality of a persons admixture. Some geographic areas and cultures (usually crossroads) show great admixture within the average person, while other, more isolated regions, show little admixture. While probably not as interesting to people in static locations, for those of us from crossroads countries and creole cultures, finding out our roots is important and interesting. It is a part of knowing who we are, and who we want to be. Henry Lewis Gates, a noted scholar, television personality and director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Studies at Harvard, stated:
"These admixture tests reveal surprising information about the complex genetic makeup of the African American community, and speak volumes about the hidden history of American racial and social relations encoded in our genes," Gates said. "Judging from these test results, the bottom line is that black and white Americans are inextricably interconnected at the level of their genomes, and African Americans are a profoundly 'mixed' people, far more than anyone thought possible before these DNA tests were invented." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/vanessa-williams-ancestry-mail-order-dna-test_n_2698112.html
Mr. Gates has hosted several PBS specials tracing peoples ancestral roots, including Faces of America.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/ The many interviews of diverse Americans all share in common a joy of revelation that accompanies self discovery.
To bring this post back to my original questioning of why author Audrey Smedley considers self-identification of "mixed-race" a tragedy, I think that it comes to a matter of semantics rather than meaning, but the connection between words and meaning is monumental. Even though many people identify as "mixed" and have no problem with the term, the implication with the word "mixed" is of separate elements being combined, when a more accurate word would be "multiple", as in multiple elements/haplogroups being present in one person. I think this is in some way similar to the term "melting pot" being archaic compared to the modern term "multi-cultural". I agree with Ms. Smedley in that that we should avoid the term "mixed" if the focus is on created differences, but I think that for many people distinction does not imply superiority or inferiority. It should be stressed that no haplogroup is superior or inferior to any other; yet, they are distinct, and many of us possess significant amounts of multiple haplogroups, regardless of how any other may classify us. For myself, I am the sum of 11 haplogroups, and I avoid marking down a "race" on any form other than "hispanic" (which is NOT a haplogroup). I have always been uncomfortable with declaring a "race", including "more than one race". Ms. Smedley and I are in agreement that "race" is a false construct. I was in fact comforted recently when filling out a California application, and for the first time I was able to proudly check a new box: "Multiple Ethnicity". I wonder if Ms. Smedley finds fault with those of us who self-identify as being of "multiple ethnicity". I hope she would not, because that is what many of us are, and I think that this is a part of progress. I think that, rather than representing a tragic misunderstanding of racial identification, that as more people discover their roots, more and more people will identify as being of multiple ethnicity. Some American cities, and even states, now have substantial portions of their population self-identifying as "more than one race", and to me, besides it being a person's right to self-identify, a beauty of this is that the identification has multiple meanings. I can project to a day when a majority of the entire population will self-identify as being of multiple ethnicity: distinct individuals, with far more in common than not.
Smedley, A. (1998). "Race" and the Construction of Human Identity. American Anthropologist, 100(3), 690-702.
Smedley, A. (2007). The History of Race...and Why It Matters. In understandingrace.org. Retrieved June 1, 2014, from http://www.understandingrace.org/resources/pdf/disease/smedley.pdf
My first reaction was surprise that the author, who had otherwise seemed critical and concerned with facts, would seem to target individuals for their identity. I do not think that it is for anyone to ridicule or criticize another persons identity, and it is particularly insensitive to single out people who feel their personal story is too complicated to be summed up with one designation or another. I thought that it was the author who was misunderstanding those who self-identify as "mixed-race" rather than the misunderstanding of the people she is criticizing. However, thorough reading of the article and subsequent publications from the author somewhat mitigate the harshness of her accusations. I think also that information and understandings regarding the entire topic are changing rapidly and frequently, so, as always, context is an important consideration.
At first it seemed to me that the author had a personal reaction, and some amount of hostility, towards those who self-identify as "mixed-race". This led me to research the article, the author, and some of the authors more recent writings. The always complex and contentious discussion of "race", culture, society, and science continues to be relevant and fascinating to many scholars and people in general, and is highly relevant, and personal, to many of us. I am excited to read the authors newest book, The History of Race in North America (2011), which apparently is in it's 4th edition, although new DNA tests (autosomal) predict with more detail a persons total lineage, which is a crucial distinction from "race", or even ethnicity. Of course, although some people still believe so, culture is not appearance, and this is precisely what the most recent DNA studies are showing. Ultimately the answer is that people are people. All humans share a majority of the same DNA, as tracing the human genome has confirmed. It is the .01% that makes us all unique individuals. The concept of "race" is clearly fabricated, and has been solely a tragic and evil tool implemented and enforced by "the powers that be", a way of consolidating power in the hands of the few and fomenting discord and exploitation of the majority. In the past, damaging misinformation has been propagated in the name of science, so we should be vigilant and critical whenever science is brought into the discussion of racism. Although "race" is a false concept, haplotype and haplogroups are real. Discovering the genetic markers that describe a person's lineage can provide important information about parentage, family history, and solve mysteries. Haplotype and haplogroup mapping, with understanding, can ultimately provide a deeper understanding of humanity, history, and proves that diversity is a fundamental part of the human story. Haplogroups are basically geographic areas where a majority of people share (or shared) an abundance of haplotypes, genetic markers/mutations that can be found in every human around the world but are found most frequently in particular areas. The presence of a particular haplogroup, or of multiple haplogroups, does not necessarily correspond to a persons appearance.
To me, this is where the current findings get really interesting. Autosomal DNA mapping shows that there appears to be the most genetic diversity in Africa (9 haplogroups) and Europe (9 haplogroups), 3 haplogroups found in Asia, 2 in the South Pacific, 1 in Native America, and 2 for West Asia (Middle/Near East and Caucasus). Many Americans, of all lineages, are finding out more about their family origins (and themselves) through these autosomal DNA tests, which look at the totality of a persons admixture. Some geographic areas and cultures (usually crossroads) show great admixture within the average person, while other, more isolated regions, show little admixture. While probably not as interesting to people in static locations, for those of us from crossroads countries and creole cultures, finding out our roots is important and interesting. It is a part of knowing who we are, and who we want to be. Henry Lewis Gates, a noted scholar, television personality and director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Studies at Harvard, stated:
"These admixture tests reveal surprising information about the complex genetic makeup of the African American community, and speak volumes about the hidden history of American racial and social relations encoded in our genes," Gates said. "Judging from these test results, the bottom line is that black and white Americans are inextricably interconnected at the level of their genomes, and African Americans are a profoundly 'mixed' people, far more than anyone thought possible before these DNA tests were invented." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/vanessa-williams-ancestry-mail-order-dna-test_n_2698112.html
Mr. Gates has hosted several PBS specials tracing peoples ancestral roots, including Faces of America.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/ The many interviews of diverse Americans all share in common a joy of revelation that accompanies self discovery.
To bring this post back to my original questioning of why author Audrey Smedley considers self-identification of "mixed-race" a tragedy, I think that it comes to a matter of semantics rather than meaning, but the connection between words and meaning is monumental. Even though many people identify as "mixed" and have no problem with the term, the implication with the word "mixed" is of separate elements being combined, when a more accurate word would be "multiple", as in multiple elements/haplogroups being present in one person. I think this is in some way similar to the term "melting pot" being archaic compared to the modern term "multi-cultural". I agree with Ms. Smedley in that that we should avoid the term "mixed" if the focus is on created differences, but I think that for many people distinction does not imply superiority or inferiority. It should be stressed that no haplogroup is superior or inferior to any other; yet, they are distinct, and many of us possess significant amounts of multiple haplogroups, regardless of how any other may classify us. For myself, I am the sum of 11 haplogroups, and I avoid marking down a "race" on any form other than "hispanic" (which is NOT a haplogroup). I have always been uncomfortable with declaring a "race", including "more than one race". Ms. Smedley and I are in agreement that "race" is a false construct. I was in fact comforted recently when filling out a California application, and for the first time I was able to proudly check a new box: "Multiple Ethnicity". I wonder if Ms. Smedley finds fault with those of us who self-identify as being of "multiple ethnicity". I hope she would not, because that is what many of us are, and I think that this is a part of progress. I think that, rather than representing a tragic misunderstanding of racial identification, that as more people discover their roots, more and more people will identify as being of multiple ethnicity. Some American cities, and even states, now have substantial portions of their population self-identifying as "more than one race", and to me, besides it being a person's right to self-identify, a beauty of this is that the identification has multiple meanings. I can project to a day when a majority of the entire population will self-identify as being of multiple ethnicity: distinct individuals, with far more in common than not.
Smedley, A. (1998). "Race" and the Construction of Human Identity. American Anthropologist, 100(3), 690-702.
Smedley, A. (2007). The History of Race...and Why It Matters. In understandingrace.org. Retrieved June 1, 2014, from http://www.understandingrace.org/resources/pdf/disease/smedley.pdf
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