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

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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).

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)

7. 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