19 Aug EXAM QUESTIONS1.) Ronnie says race is skin color. Bobby says

EXAM QUESTIONS1.) Ronnie says race is skin color. Bobby says race is not real scientifically, so since it doesn’t exist, let’s stop talking about it. (a) Provide at least 2 examples of how race is socially constructed from your course readings/materials in your own words to show Bobby and Ronnie what race really is and is not. (b) What is correct & incorrect in each of Ronnie and Bobby’s statements (be specific)? (c) According to social science, what is the consequence when we “stop talking about race”—is it a good way to reduce racism? Why or why not? 2.) Mary feels we live in a post-racial society where anyone can be anything. The only people she sees bringing up race are people of color and she can’t understand why they just can’t get over it and see how the world is open to them. Is it true that racism does not affect white people unless they are bigots? Are people of color the only ones still thinking racially? Please provide some solid evidence in your own words from your course readings/materials about how racism still impacts society. What does the evidence (be specific—not just “racism still exists”) tell us about who is and is not racist, how many people are and are not racist (or prejudiced) today? (Hint: it might be helpful to distinguish between prejudice & racism, as well as between active & passive racism, in your answer.) 3.) Racial ideology today is often transmitted through colorblind discourse. Bonilla-Silva identifies 4 frames, 4 storylines, and 4 rhetorical strategies/semantic moves of colorblind racism. Create a fictitious conversation between “Jack” and “Jill” as they discuss a TV show they have just finished watching depicting a black single mother trying to keep her kid from a life of crime. Remember, Jack and Jill aren’t blatant racists and see themselves as open-minded. Make sure Jack and Jill use at least 1 frame, 1 storyline, and 1 rhetorical/semantic move each, and identify it when they do with parentheses. Do not plagiarize any examples from readings, make up your own. The 3 questions need to be 250-400 words each.An extra tidbit that the professor wrote in the moduleFour central frames of Color-Blind Racism:Abstract liberalismNaturalization’Cultural racismMinimization of racismAbstract Liberalism most important as a foundational base for ‘new racism’… must understand ‘liberalism’Tenants of liberalismIndividualism’Universalism’EgalitarianismMelorialism (idea that people and institutions can be improved)Often set in a Eurocentric framework of humanity (only Europeans are human)…modernity, liberalism, and racial exclusion developed together…however, liberalism has also been responsible for social change and reform (can be progressive)The four frames: Used in combination rather than a single frame“..abstract liberalism involves using ideas associated with political liberalism (e.g. “equal opportunity”, the idea that force should not be used to achieve social policy) and economic liberalism (e.g. choice, individualism) in an abstract manner to explain racial matters”“laissez-faire racism” or “competitive racism” …. use in arguments against Affirmative actionOften used as an argument against assistance (welfare)Relies on Jeffersonian idea “the cream rises to the top” or meritocracy (reward by merit)Liberalism suggests little or no government interference (invisible hand of the market) …balance or equilibrium is usually the outcomeIndividualism…should not look at groups but individuals…individuals have a right to choose their attitudes and behaviors“Naturalization is a frame that allows whites to explain away racial phenomena by suggesting they are natural occurrences”Least used frame (tends to remind one of biological explanations)Uses ‘natural’ explanations…likes attract likesVery few natural occurrences in societyWe are generally socialized into our behaviors“Cultural racism is a frame that relies on culturally based arguments such as “Mexicans do not put much emphasis on education” or “blacks have too many babies” to explain the standing of minorities in society.”Tend to use cultural explanations for racial differencesAssumes culture is a fixed rather than fluid conceptExample “culture of poverty” used for the underclassOften used in conjunction with minimization“Just the way people are” explanation…part of their cultural traits i.e. laziness, frugalitySometimes harsh/direct criticism, other times compassionate/gentle approach“Minimization of racism is a frame that suggests discrimination is no longer a central factor affecting minorities’ life chances (“It’s better now than in the past’ or “There is discrimination, but there are plenty of jobs out there”)William Julius Wilson The Declining Significance of Race (1978) suggest class standing more important than raceDiscrimination not seen as a problem even though it may occurBelief that institutional racism has declinedRace is minimized and seen only as an excuseThese frames are often used in combination to explain that minorities are no longer subjected to the racism of the past and that racism is no longer an issue in American society