learntoquestion ltq discussions

To begin, I would like to challenge the statements made by Winoa and Priya because I disagree with the terminology that race is a cancer. In fact, I don't truly think this is even a rational way of looking at racism in America. Race is just something that exists. While I understand that it's rules and boundaries with racist intentions, at this point saying "race is a cancer" is similar (in my mind) to saying 2 + 2 = 4 is a cancer, or gender is a cancer. I think that racism, sexisism, and transphobia are cancers, but these constructs can still be worked around, instead of the attempt to tear them down completely. I this because race has simply become a fact in America. I think we need to de-stigmatize the seperation between races, and acknowledge differences within racial and ethnic groups. However, asking people to simply forget about it and not notice one's feature is unreailistic, in my opinion.-

I would now like to bring up something that Vic talked about. In her passage, she talks about how she was careful in high school to act like her white peers. She talks about how she was careful to be quiet, and when she pointed out racism in Apocolypse Now in an essay, her teacher called a rant and she "slid back into her shell". I think this is an example of how rather than discarding the idea of race, we should accept it, but admonish the bigotry displayed by her teacher. I think her race and backround had an impact on how she viewed the film, and rather than attempting to have everyone have the same viewing expirience, we should embrace the differences people have.

The first sample I would like to talk about is concerning chinese immigration laws. The first immigration law ever banned Chinese women from immigrating to the United States. This is because citizenship extended to anyone born in the US, and the government only wanted laborors. I think more poeple should know about this because it shows the discrimination asian immigrants were shown even when first entering the country. The second sample I would like to talk about is the diversity with the continent of Africa. A lot of Americans talk about Africa as if it was a country, however the different ethnic groups within it vary an -insane amount. More people should know about this because a lot of poeple see African Americans as all coming from the same place. However this is completely incorrrect and is an assumption that needs to stop.

Finally I would like to say that I enjoyed the book. While I didn't agree with every single thing said in it, I thought the writing was witty and the charecters interesting. I also think it was eye opening, as it gave the expirience of individuals, not just data on a graph.-

1) Winona and Priya point out that race is a deeply ingrained aspect of (particularly American) society — and I very much agree. As they said, “Even the very existence of the United States demanded their presence.” I agree because of my knowledge of African American history as well US History. You truly do have to go back to the very beginning, The othering of black slaves from their intendured white counterparts justivifed the creation of both whiteness and blackness. The collective identity that white people created for themselves gave them a labor force, privilege, and a sense of superiority that has remained even to this day. As they said, “race IS a cancer that impacts every part of our lives”. From American economics, culture, inventions etc… Black Americans and other POC have had their part in our country's development stricken from history textbooks. Even today, “race” a made up concept justified by made up science has created major implications for the lives of non-white humans. Racial ideology permeates and plagues our society, harming, mentally, physically, and emotionally, millions of people.

2) One person in from the first chapter of Winona and Priya’s story that really stood out to me was Justin E. from Kansas. At the end of Justin’s piece, he speaks about his experience when it comes to education and informing white people about the history, experiences, and feelings of BI-POC. In particular, he says, “Only a white person, I’ve learned, can talk to another white person and get farther than I can get. Because either they’re gonna stop listening to me, I’m gonna get angry, or both.” I think that Justin’s story and words in particular resonated with me because I too have felt both tired and angry at the fact that it takes white people to educate white people. While I appreciate allies, it goes to show the ignorance of white people, and their willingness, or lack thereof, to listen to POC. It's a common theme, and an unfortunate one. I think the most important lesson I pulled from Justin, was not only our shared experience of not being heard, but also the aspect of resilience. Keep trying to educate others even though it should not be solely your responsibility.

3) Eye Opening Information:

1. (pg. 16) The margin gives the definition of “ally” and speaks about what qualities and actions it takes to be a good ally, such as listening and supporting.

• I think people should go and read this in depth definition because many white people and even POC not belonging to certain marginalized groups fail in their responsibilities as allies. To be an ally takes constant work to oneself, one’s perceptions and beliefs, and to one’s actions.

2. (pg. 23) The margin speaks about the modifications to the texas history curriculum, and how it has watered down the truths of our country's racial issues.

• I think people should know about this because there has been growing controversy over what should be, and what shouldn’t be taught (especially in southern schools). There is a famous saying: “we learn from the past to not repeat it in the future”. I think that the education system needs to be not complacent in the erasure of POC experiences and history.

4) I like this book so far, I think it clearly puts into words how I’ve felt about racial issues myself and I think it works to simplify the experiences of POC for white audiences to understand. I think however, there are some stories that are a bit shocking, especially the ones from Non-Black Americans. I also think that the novel needs to define and help readers to understand that there is a clear difference between race, ethnicity, and nationality in the margins. But, as I said, overall, I like the story.