Overview
“So You Want to Talk About Race”
Keywords – Race, Fear, Injustice, Hate
Ijeoma Oluo’s main message was that it is difficult to talk about race. However, it is necessary. We cannot fully move forward in any aspect of our lives with avoidance. “Race is not something people can choose to ignore anymore. Some of us have been speaking all along and have not been heard” (Oluo, 2018). Instead of taking the time to understand the differences and oppression that is happening with people of color, many people say that “race does not matter”, “we all matter”, or “we are all equal”. However, we all are not yet equal. This is something that needs to be understood first so that we can make a change. When you are not the person who is suffering, the best thing you can do is listen. From there, ask where you can help.
“The Combahee River Collective Statement”
Keywords – Politics, Feminists, Liberation, Patriarchy, Socialists
This text describes some of the beliefs, goals, and issues that black feminists face. The collective unites over shared characteristics that cause them to be oppressed. “We were told in the same breath to be quiet both for the sake of being “ladylike” and to make us less objectionable in the eyes of white people” (The Combahee River Collective Statement, 1977). This statement narrates how black females have been suppressed in multiple aspects of their life. It is an example of intersectionality.
“Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference”
Keywords – Difference, Norm, Inferior
Most of this text illustrates that deviations from what has been considered the norm causes people to be regarded as inferior. “In America, this norm is usually defined as white, thin, male, young, heterosexual, Christian, and financially secure” (Lorde,1980, p.116). People who are different from that norm are more likely to be oppressed. With more deviations, there is more oppression.
Connections
For the “Hair Nah” game, I like that there were options for different hairstyles instead of just being limited to naturally curly hair. I know from experience that people like touching braids without asking as well. The first round was fine then the intensity kicked up as hands were coming from multiple directions. I thought to myself “I can’t do this” in real life nor with the video game. It will never become acceptable for someone to touch another person without their permission. We are not toys. We are human, and each of the main texts and videos is trying to bring awareness to the dehumanization faced by people of color.
Question
Referring back to the “So You Want to Talk About Race” video, Ijeoma Oluo mentioned that people will vote for tighter policing because they are scared of the way the demographics in their neighborhoods are changing (Ijeoma Oluo, 2018).
Why are those people scared?
Reference
Audre Lorde (1980), “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference”
Ijeoma Oluo (2018), “So You Want to Talk About Race”
(1977) “The Combahee River Collective Statement”
I think people are scared of changing demographics in their neighborhoods because although many of them want equality, they still judge colored people. They see colored people as ghetto or aggressive and want to stop them from moving near them. I think that is what makes them vote for tighter policies, they are still deep down oppressing colored people.