I found this unit to be really interesting because it was really eye opening. I never really thought as race as something that could be changed because I think I just associated it with skin color. I mean when you think of the different races they are usually associate with how they look. But I think it's really cool how your race can change with just a plane ride. I'm basically a "mutt" when it comes to nationality so I've never really identified with a "race" or ethnicity. I guess I'm mostly Scandinavian but I don't look it at all- In fact I'm the opposite- green eyes and dark brown hair...nice. So, the fact that it can change when I don't really feel as though I have one is totally awesome.
I find it really interesting how race is such a big deal and yet it seems to be kind of a taboo subject. I think race is important because it helps people identify themselves as much as heritage, class and religion, but it also seems that it can be kind of a sensitive subject for some people. I don't know why, perhaps because of America's rocky relationship with different "races", but it shouldn't be such a big deal. I mean it can change, so why do people cling to it so tightly.
I thought this unit was really interesting because it kind of revealed how race isn't something you're bound to for your entire life and that it really isn't the big deal that everyone makes it out to be. I wish everyone knew that.
Here is a really cool book, Race (The reality of Human Differences) that was written about race and the complexities it entails, I only had the chance to read the first couple of paragraphs but it seems like a good supplement to what we've been discussing,
I read some reviews about the book and they make me a bit weary of the authors and their intent. But I think if you want to understand race better - checkout that website for Race, The Power of Illusion and if you get the chance, watch the video that goes with it - it's like 3 hours. I bet your library will have it, or you might be able to watch it online.
ReplyDeleteAlso - there is a new book out called the History of White People and it traces how the idea of who is and isn't white and how that changes.