Chapter 2)
Comment: Based upon the quote on page twenty-six. In this section of her book, Tatum describes the stereotypical assessments that one makes when describing a certain race. For example, hair thickness, nose size, shape of eyes. She mentions that, due to these constant negative (or in some cases positive) view of certain aspects of one's appearance, many people are wishing to change, or have changed, that certain trait.
I find that so many of these people have this negative feeling about themselves because of the influence of the media, as well as social comments. The media is one of the worst forms of criticism there is. They are constantly portraying the ideal person, or the ideal race, or the highly stereotypic aspects of a race, portraying the way things ‘should be’. However, despite this fact, there are people fighting to oppose this ‘ideal’ view that the media has on someone, and yet, there are people, groups of people, aiding with this stereotypic view. How can a fat person over come his or her negative views if people around them continue to criticize. How can a black person overcome the racial slurs of black people of influence, such as rappers and actors, continue to act to these stereotypic traits?
Question: How can one over come the media’s portrayal of what race is?
Chapter 3)
Comment: Posted below is a similar topic as to this next question.
After reading chapter 3 of her book, I found that a reoccuring topic or idea is the idea of how to address the ideas and concepts of race when a child asks a question. Many of us think that addressing race with comments such as "They don't match." "Why is her face dirty?" is a negative thing and should not be commented. However, children, especially young children do not see how bad or inappropriate the question might be. So instead of simply saying "shh" to the child, how would one address this?
I myself grew up in the Bahamas, so I knew that there was a cultural difference, a skin difference, than my black schoolmates, but I never had to deal with racism. I was accepted with awe and open arms. Of course, I had comments, such as "Your skin is like a china doll." Or "are all canadians blonde with blue eyes?" But these were answered by the teachers and parents around me. I myself do not remember asking anyone about those differences.
Question: How would one discuss the issues of race and racism to a child if, as a child himself, he was not talked to?
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3 comments:
Question 1) In answering my own question about the media, I find that it is hard to address these issues. I mean, as a slightly overweight person, I always have the negative views of myself and the media, honestly, does not help those feelings. However, through counseling and discussions with those I have had great respect for, I have been able to limit the negative feelings.
I find, even as a racial issue, that this is a way to overcome the influence of the media. When a child, or an adult, as someone to talk to and discuss their fears and feelings, they are able to find solutions and ways to aid in their feelings.
Because the media is such a large part of the world we live in, one must become stronger than it's influence in order to overcome it.
Question 2)
I myself have no real answer for this question, as it truely depends on each situation. For myself, not being spoken to as a child about race, I find that discussions with others, people of the same and different race, broadens my perspective of racism. Reading, listening to, and talking about racism is the best way to educate both yourself and your child.
Hi Sam,
You are right about the way media helps to construct the way we view ourselves. I appreciate your candour. Your experience of 'difference' was a very positive one. Do you think it might be different if you were not white, and from a less privileged group? I would have liked for you to include direct quotations, as was asked for in this blog posting.
A good posting, thanks
Lisa
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