What I have learned from taking ANTH 89   By: Kasey West

Lesson #1 Prior belief: White-on-Black racism has been very prevalent since the beginning of America. What I learned: In early America, divide was more between elites vs. poor than blacks vs. whites, thus race became a convenient way to enact methods of social control. What I will take with me: Don’t always except things the way they are and assume they are beneficial for all just because they are given by authority.

Lesson #2 Prior belief: Racism is the result of person-to-person actions of discriminations What I learned: Racism is more than this: it is pervasive and woven within society What I will take with me: A new understanding of racism and how it affects many aspects of our lives. “no individualized response possibly could bring change” (Sider 163)

Lesson #3 Prior belief: Race shouldn't be talked about /I should act like it doesn't exist What I learned: the dangers of colorblind racism Colorblind racism Best way to end discrimination is to treat people as equal as possible, without regards to their race problematic because the effects of racism are so prevalent, that acting like race does not exist will not fix what is already in place What I will take with me: Talk about, and be mindful of, race

Lesson #4 Prior Belief: Race is mostly physical What I learned: (Austen reading) Part of race can be physical, but it is more than that Ancestry, culture, geography, etc. What I will take with me: Reflection “The belief in racial difference can exist even when there is no difference in physical appearance” (Austen 6).

Lesson #5 Prior Belief: Incapable of creating change and making a huge impact What I learned: I AM capable What I will take with me: Being bold in my actions, and remembering I have potential to make a difference, especially in improving race relations. “The group is seeking luncheon counter service and will continue its push ‘several days’, ’several weeks’… until something is done” (Blair and McCain)

summary In early America, divide was more between elites vs. poor than blacks vs. whites, thus race became a convenient way to enact methods of social control. Racism is more than person-to-person discrimination: it is pervasive and woven within society Colorblind racism is dangerous Race is more than physical characteristics We are all capable of creating change