Let's be real, I'm hilarious. I am a hoot and a half. It has nothing to do with my sexuality or the fact that I'm a woman (aside from some wonderful opportunities for a good gay or women's rights joke, here or there).
I have many interesting qualities and hobbies. I write screenplays. I sing in an acappella group. I enjoy hard boiled eggs (t'is the season). My hair was once platinum blonde (in retrospect, bad idea).
My sexuality is only a piece of me. Erin's post really got me thinking about that. It made a lot of sense to me. Why do we have to constantly debate about race and ethnicity and how this affects us as individuals? We all come from such diverse backgrounds, why can't we just celebrate it?
Having said that, in today's political climate we HAVE to identify as what we are. Identifying yourself as a member of an ethnic, racial or social community is probably one of the most political things you can do. For example, gay rights are still largely unfulfilled. We can't get married in any state, we can't get the same benefits, people can still be fired for being gay or transsexual, there aren't hate crime protection laws in every state. THAT is why I'm so vocal about my sexuality. It's not the most interesting thing about me, this is true. But, it's something for me that has to be known, because I want to incite change. When you identify yourself, you become a part of the community and a part of the fight. We put a human face on the "issue." Sometimes we just HAVE to be loud.
But I do understand that for some people, coming out is not an option. There are many hostile climates out there that are not conducive to the LGBT community. But that is exactly why those of us who can, have to fight about it. I do it for them. This is why we have to debate these things and talk about these things. They may not be ALL of who we are; that's a common misconception the world sees. But it has to be something we embrace, so we can usher in change and make it better for those who have no options left but to hide.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Power in Numbers
This is a response to a post that Shawna made on Thursday. She made a valid point about how certain social groups and types flock together.
It's true, most social groups stick to people who look like them or have similar interests and struggles as them.
I know that for me, being in a group like Pride Alliance gives me a nice sense of solidarity. I can be with people who are similar to me in my sexuality and my ideals and activist drive. I got lonely in high school, because I didn't know very many people of the LGBT community, so it was awesome to come here and be with people who are like me and can understand where I've come from.
Having said that, can't we all relate to each other in the sense that we're human beings? As a class, I'm sure that the majority of us have at least ONE similar experience in common. Perhaps we can't all relate on levels of racism, sexism or homophobia but as long as you know and accept these things as being wrong and taking actions to fight them, then you can be a part of these diverse communities.
Groups like Women's Student Union, Pride Alliance or Black Student Union are great to have in the sense that it provides a community for similar people facing similar struggles. It's awesome to belong somewhere. Having said that, we NEED allies to help us fight back on things like racism, homophobia or sexism. The Women's Student Union NEEDS men who support their causes. Pride Alliance NEEDS straight allies to help us advocate for the LGBT community. The Black Student Union NEEDS people of other races to help combat racism and promote equality. We all NEED each other to make it through this century.
We can take the time to celebrate our diversity, but we shouldn't isolate. We need to appreciate!
It's true, most social groups stick to people who look like them or have similar interests and struggles as them.
I know that for me, being in a group like Pride Alliance gives me a nice sense of solidarity. I can be with people who are similar to me in my sexuality and my ideals and activist drive. I got lonely in high school, because I didn't know very many people of the LGBT community, so it was awesome to come here and be with people who are like me and can understand where I've come from.
Having said that, can't we all relate to each other in the sense that we're human beings? As a class, I'm sure that the majority of us have at least ONE similar experience in common. Perhaps we can't all relate on levels of racism, sexism or homophobia but as long as you know and accept these things as being wrong and taking actions to fight them, then you can be a part of these diverse communities.
Groups like Women's Student Union, Pride Alliance or Black Student Union are great to have in the sense that it provides a community for similar people facing similar struggles. It's awesome to belong somewhere. Having said that, we NEED allies to help us fight back on things like racism, homophobia or sexism. The Women's Student Union NEEDS men who support their causes. Pride Alliance NEEDS straight allies to help us advocate for the LGBT community. The Black Student Union NEEDS people of other races to help combat racism and promote equality. We all NEED each other to make it through this century.
We can take the time to celebrate our diversity, but we shouldn't isolate. We need to appreciate!
Mr. & Ms. Lee; The hypocrites. (23)
Both Deck And Sandy although they had different visions on how to make change we both know that they were dedicated to the cause. They were dedicated to not being hypocrites but in the process they failed. They failed at their marriage and they couldn't keep their family together due to the very same hing they were fighting against: Racism. Even Birdie in the end could still see how much similar they were to each other. Maybe that's why they couldn't get along. "I smiled slightly to myself, thinking how alike my parents still were." (p.397)
They both were intellectuals. Deck was a little less rateable then Sandy because of he was more of a overly-enthused scholar then she was. Sandy was a bleeding heart, more free, more spontaneous. This can be seen even from how they met. She was unsure of her life, Deck was attending Harvard. And they both feared becoming the antithesis of everything they hated, everything about themselves that they wanted to reject they found in each other. And when that wasn't enough they both sought to be transformed to be somehow reinvented. This is who and what the character of Redbone was symbolic of: reinventing, disappearing, reappearing somehow being transformed. this is seen in hid and Decks first encounter in the book. When Deck says angrily "This ain't no brother. Where did this fool come from, anyway? Can someone tell me that? He showed up a month ago actin' like he been a revolutionary all his life, But no one knows where you came from, Red, do they?" This for shadowed Birdies plight and both her and her mother's constant movement. their transformations along the way. Who knows who the real Redbone was. If her was Fed or revolutionary. Or even if he was passing? This is why he was so interested in Birdie throughout the book. She fascinated him, he saw something in her. Maybe he was like Sandy Lee on the run from himself, something trying to transform himself into something authentic. Deck longed to be made authentic. He longed to e seen as a real Black man. Not just another overly intelligent Negro who doesn't really know how to fight the real cause or racism. Hims somehow having a white wife and mixed children along with being Harvard educated, made him feel he was had to prove his blackness. This is why he liked going to the black diners and speaking slang, why he dated Carmen, why he felt he had to keep attempting a bad Afro. He wanted to gain authenticity. Redbone probably wanted the same thing by being apart of the "revolution." In my opinion is that both Sandy and Deck in the process of trying to be transformed they because what they hated the most. Sandy feared becoming a blue-blood elitist wasp. By the end that exactly who she became. Living in New Hampshire with Jim she some how showed more of that side of herself that her own mother who have wanted her to be. Sandy got by out their by using her white privilege. "She was White, she was clearly educated, and most important, the children seem to e tamed by her very presence." (p.137) then she adapted the same characteristics of "How to spot a WASP list" and she used them to her advantages. Birdie Say's this about her moms changes: " I wonder if something in her blue-blood upbringing spared her shame, made her feel slightly superior to the people around us. Whatever the case some of her nonchalance rubbed off on me when I was with her," (p.172)
Then Deck always talked about how he wanted to not be a non active black man talking about change and writing "same old, same old" theories on race in America. Yet he has become so obsessed with race relations in America and writing his book all about it for several years to the extent that her has Lost Cole, didn't have time to look for Birdie, lost Carmen and lives like a shut-in. "Birdie do you understand what I am telling you? These over educated pompous Negro fools in the academy, have everything, and still want to feel like victims. They're addicted to racism, because once you got money and the approval of the white academy, you need something to remind you that you're not a total sellout." (p.396) This is exactly who Deck has become. And they both felt like they had something to prove with the way they educated and raised their children. But I feel like the irony of both these flawed characters was to remind us as he readers that "we often become what we despise the most" or is it "we are who we are?" or could it be, "You cant run from yourself?" All I know is the hypocrisy of these two characters is a goes hand in hand with the ideal of Identity and how we Identify ourselves. Its all very objective.
They both were intellectuals. Deck was a little less rateable then Sandy because of he was more of a overly-enthused scholar then she was. Sandy was a bleeding heart, more free, more spontaneous. This can be seen even from how they met. She was unsure of her life, Deck was attending Harvard. And they both feared becoming the antithesis of everything they hated, everything about themselves that they wanted to reject they found in each other. And when that wasn't enough they both sought to be transformed to be somehow reinvented. This is who and what the character of Redbone was symbolic of: reinventing, disappearing, reappearing somehow being transformed. this is seen in hid and Decks first encounter in the book. When Deck says angrily "This ain't no brother. Where did this fool come from, anyway? Can someone tell me that? He showed up a month ago actin' like he been a revolutionary all his life, But no one knows where you came from, Red, do they?" This for shadowed Birdies plight and both her and her mother's constant movement. their transformations along the way. Who knows who the real Redbone was. If her was Fed or revolutionary. Or even if he was passing? This is why he was so interested in Birdie throughout the book. She fascinated him, he saw something in her. Maybe he was like Sandy Lee on the run from himself, something trying to transform himself into something authentic. Deck longed to be made authentic. He longed to e seen as a real Black man. Not just another overly intelligent Negro who doesn't really know how to fight the real cause or racism. Hims somehow having a white wife and mixed children along with being Harvard educated, made him feel he was had to prove his blackness. This is why he liked going to the black diners and speaking slang, why he dated Carmen, why he felt he had to keep attempting a bad Afro. He wanted to gain authenticity. Redbone probably wanted the same thing by being apart of the "revolution." In my opinion is that both Sandy and Deck in the process of trying to be transformed they because what they hated the most. Sandy feared becoming a blue-blood elitist wasp. By the end that exactly who she became. Living in New Hampshire with Jim she some how showed more of that side of herself that her own mother who have wanted her to be. Sandy got by out their by using her white privilege. "She was White, she was clearly educated, and most important, the children seem to e tamed by her very presence." (p.137) then she adapted the same characteristics of "How to spot a WASP list" and she used them to her advantages. Birdie Say's this about her moms changes: " I wonder if something in her blue-blood upbringing spared her shame, made her feel slightly superior to the people around us. Whatever the case some of her nonchalance rubbed off on me when I was with her," (p.172)
Then Deck always talked about how he wanted to not be a non active black man talking about change and writing "same old, same old" theories on race in America. Yet he has become so obsessed with race relations in America and writing his book all about it for several years to the extent that her has Lost Cole, didn't have time to look for Birdie, lost Carmen and lives like a shut-in. "Birdie do you understand what I am telling you? These over educated pompous Negro fools in the academy, have everything, and still want to feel like victims. They're addicted to racism, because once you got money and the approval of the white academy, you need something to remind you that you're not a total sellout." (p.396) This is exactly who Deck has become. And they both felt like they had something to prove with the way they educated and raised their children. But I feel like the irony of both these flawed characters was to remind us as he readers that "we often become what we despise the most" or is it "we are who we are?" or could it be, "You cant run from yourself?" All I know is the hypocrisy of these two characters is a goes hand in hand with the ideal of Identity and how we Identify ourselves. Its all very objective.
Disappearing
I have this tendency to read books twice in a row, once just to find out what happens in the end and another to truely absorb what happened throughout the book. At the beginning, I discovered a quote a found to be significant: "The Elemenos could turn deep green in the bushes, beige in the sand, or blank white in the snow, and their power lay precisely in their ability to disappear into any surrounding. As she spoke, a new question-a doubt- flashed through my mind. Something didn't make sense. What was the point of surviving if you had to disappear?" Knowing how the story goes, I found this quote to be extremely ironic. Though as a child she believes there's no point to survive if you disappear, her life follows a different story. To survive, she does make her disappear into the background as to not draw attention to herself. She disappears in whatever way is best suited in each situation by blending in, exactly as the Elemenos did. Its interesting Cole brought that into the story. Knowing the ending, its a great way to foreshadow the rest of the story.
Talking about race all the time...a good or bad thing?
Erin Goldberg, Post 19
I can't decide if constantly debating about race and ethnicity is a positive thing. Don't get me wrong, for the purpose of this class, I think it is merited (and it's exactly what we signed up to do). However, it everyday society, is it good for us to always be debating race and ethnicity. I made a small mental list of the pros and cons:
Pros
Like I said, I'm extremely conflicted about how I feel about this subject. Talking about race is absolutely important, but it shouldn't become the main point of a person's life. Then you become more of a cause and less of a person.
I can't decide if constantly debating about race and ethnicity is a positive thing. Don't get me wrong, for the purpose of this class, I think it is merited (and it's exactly what we signed up to do). However, it everyday society, is it good for us to always be debating race and ethnicity. I made a small mental list of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Acknowledges that unique differences in each of us and allows us to highlight these differences in a positive light.
- Brings attention to problems arising from racial and ethnic tensions
- Constantly makes note of the differences between certain groups of people, possibly making it more difficult to allow these groups to find common ground (ex.standards of living, general income, occupations, education, etc.)
- Acknowledging race is to acknowledge that their is inequality. This is important, however, are we able as a society to move past the talking phase and move towards action. It seems like every time society fixes one problem with social or racial inequality, two more spring up.
Like I said, I'm extremely conflicted about how I feel about this subject. Talking about race is absolutely important, but it shouldn't become the main point of a person's life. Then you become more of a cause and less of a person.
National Geographic Article
Erin Goldberg, Post 18
So my family has been subscribing to National Geographic for years now. And I remember reading an article not too long ago about research done with people from NYC. With America being seen as the Great Melting Pot, the test was to see if National Geographic could sample 1000 people from NYC and see if they could encompass all the ethnicity and race from every corner of the global. I tried to find the article online and haven't been successful, however from what I remember the people they took DNA from encompassed 99% of the racial groups (I know that's not the term for it, but the real words the article used escape me) recorded in the world. And this is just in NYC. I thought that was extremely cool.
So my family has been subscribing to National Geographic for years now. And I remember reading an article not too long ago about research done with people from NYC. With America being seen as the Great Melting Pot, the test was to see if National Geographic could sample 1000 people from NYC and see if they could encompass all the ethnicity and race from every corner of the global. I tried to find the article online and haven't been successful, however from what I remember the people they took DNA from encompassed 99% of the racial groups (I know that's not the term for it, but the real words the article used escape me) recorded in the world. And this is just in NYC. I thought that was extremely cool.
post#21: Pushed into a mold
Throughout the story was merely a reflection of others. She talked about this as adapting. By adapting she would fit in and get along with others. Yet if she did not adapt, she would stand out and be picked on. This reminded me of many discussions I’ve had in psychology classes. We talk about how human behavior is learned behavior. Our beliefs, values, attitudes, and judgments are nothing but a reflection of our upbringing and the people around us. It makes you wonder whether you believe in something or feel a certain way about something because you truly do or because someone told you to. For instance, why did we attend college? Because you wanted to? Or is it because our society says in order to be a productive member of society you have to have an education beyond high school? When deciding to go to college, did you thing about people who didn’t go to college and have lived a successful life? What about other countries where a college education is always valued? Did you think about a career you wanted and determined that college was the only way possible to get it? Did you think about all the people in that career that does not have a college education? There are too many questions to list about why people make the choice to go to college. However, the ultimate answer is you have to get a college education because without it you will go nowhere. Why? Well, there is no way someone who shelled out thousands of dollars for a college education, would give you a job without a degree; whether you are capable of doing the job or not. You will not be rewarded for going outside of the box. It is either fit in or stay out! If we were to sit and think about all the times we have been oppressed like birdie, we would all be have an asthma attack
Deck (22)
I feel like Deck hasn't been the best father either, first by getting separated from one of his daughters and secondly and most importantly, Deck did not even try to find Birdie after coming to the States many years earlier. Both of Birdie's parents did not do a good job when it came to raising their children. Sandy was on the run and hiding from no one really and took Birdie along with her. When Birdie finally tracks down her father he was in Oakland and wasn't excited to see her. Deck seemed to care more about his book then Birdie or anything else.
Sandy (21)
In Caucasia, I feel like Sandy is not the best parent in the world. First she hides the fact that Birdie's sister Cole and father are back in the States looking for them. Birdie looks through Sandy's stuff to find a letter saying Cole and her father have been back and looking for Birdie and Sandy. Sandy chooses to not tell Birdie this and then Sandy proceeds to tell Jim her boyfriend about their true identity. I feel like this wasn't completely fair to Birdie and I feel Sandy has been getting worse and worse throughout the novel.
Remembering your roots
In Caucasia it seemed that no matter how long Birdie pretended to be Jesse Goldman she never forgot where she came from. Throughout the story whenever someone made a comment about a black person it seemed to really bother Birdie. The one instance that really stood out was on the way back from New York City and Mona had made a comment about the black teenagers. Birdie punched Mona in response to the comment. I feel this really shows that although she may be acting as somone else she still remembers who she truly is.
Ashley Allen, Post 20
Ashley Allen, Post 20
Too quick to judge
In Caucasia I thought it was interesting when the Marsh's were discussing Sandy and the comment was made that she was their "kind of person". I felt this was interesting because although Sandy did come from a wealthy family, she is not like the Marsh's at all. However, after taking one look at Sandy the Marsh's made this judgement. I thought this was a perfect example of people being so quick to judge and proves that we can't always do so because we may be wrong.
Ashley Allen, Post 19
Ashley Allen, Post 19
America the beautiful; In need of plastic surgery? (22)
I see most people envision the image of America as White men with a beer and a ford truck, White woman a blond beauty with blue eyes, And with an old style 1950's charm, a suburbia. We all have agreed that although this isn't true this is how we envision America. So this is a racial fantasy we have created in our own minds even as Americans we are aware that this isn't so. Yet and still we cant break away from these images. Why is that? So if we wanted to change this image where would we start? Would we start with the media or is this a individual internal thing we need to do on our own? I don't know but whatever it is we need to do to change this we should. I believe America should be see as she is, not as she is imagined to be. I think this should have been easier for us to do as American living her and actually know the truth, that America is a image of many diverse people who come in all shades, that America is a mixture of all cultures. Heck White people didn't even found this country so why is it so hard to erase this image? I think what we could do to stop this is give America a mental nip and tuck try to envision yourself when you see America, then go on to envision your neighbors, your friends whom are all very different as American. The way they wear their hair, the way they cook their foods, even the religious holidays they celebrate should be considered American. (Not all countries have these freedoms/right that we take for granted.)Not just the stereotypical mainstream version of white culture as being "The all American" but everything I just mentioned, Because what make America Beautiful is the freedoms. The freedoms that we have to live collectively, with people from all different diverse back grounds. This is what Set's America apart democracy, and freedom. Its the freedoms that make it beautiful Not one race or another.
Stripped Clean…
I thought it interesting on pages 142 & 143 when Birdie described their van as now having no color at all “…the color of something stripped clean for the sake of starting over.”
It was also what her mother had done to the two of them. Stripped them clean of their identity, names, religion, but not really for the sake of starting over; to continue to run and hide. The van had become a colorless moving vehicle; just like them!
S. Ramos, Post #22
It was also what her mother had done to the two of them. Stripped them clean of their identity, names, religion, but not really for the sake of starting over; to continue to run and hide. The van had become a colorless moving vehicle; just like them!
S. Ramos, Post #22
Negrobilia…
Although the few objects in the box would remain sentimental to Birdie simply because they were from her father and sister; I felt disappointed and sad for her. She was perceptive enough to recognize that they must have thrown the collection together at the last minute before leaving. However, it is that fact (leaving), which prompted my disappointment for her. Birdie and Cole believed it was last minute only because their parents hadn’t let them in on the plans.
I would have thought that since Dek was so philosophical in his determination to be and do all things black; that he would have taken the time and put more thought into what pieces of himself he wanted to leave with his daughter…as well as what he hoped she would know was a part of herself too.
S. Ramos, Post #21
I would have thought that since Dek was so philosophical in his determination to be and do all things black; that he would have taken the time and put more thought into what pieces of himself he wanted to leave with his daughter…as well as what he hoped she would know was a part of herself too.
S. Ramos, Post #21
Friday, April 22, 2011
The End?
The ending to Caucasia really bothered me. I felt it left so much unresolved. I mean she found her family, leaving one aspect resolved, however it left a lot open-ended. It doesn't explain what happens next. To me, it left the story unfinished. What becomes with her relationships with her family? What specifically was her mother involved in? Does she ever come out of hiding? What became of her relationship with her father? What becomes of Birdie's identity? What part of herself does she embrace? Or does she continue to possess whatever features work best for her in the situation? Does Cole ever see her mother again? Does Birdie? Overall I enjoyed the conflict and tension in the book, but I wish more answers would have been given at the end of the story.
Terica Post#20: have we opened our eyes yet?
It’s true that image of America is usually set by the media. However, media image is based on the public. This idea brings to mind the question, what came first the chicken or the egg? I would have to say that neither did in this case, the media and the public takes turns in influencing each other. Anyone who power has the ability to produce the image they want in the media. However, if the public does not accept the image, the media will have to revise it to the public’s wants. At the same time, the media produces image based on society. People in society would rather blame the media as the culprit than realize the image is just a reflection of them. When thinking of the American image, a lot of people blame the media for whatever image they have. However, this person is not forced to believe in this image by the media. For example, when ever people talk about the image of America, I think of old Hollywood, back to Fred Astaire, Shirley temple, and frank Sinatra. However, when I think about America today, I think lady gaga, beyonce, and those picture posted everywhere of multiracial children holding hands. Growing up in New York City, I’ve been exposed to nothing but diversity. There are people from everywhere and there is a blend of different cultures throughout the city. For example, you can now buy Mexican foods from Chinese restaurants. So, is the way I view America every day, yet when asked the question of what is the image of America? I always give the answer that I believe everyone else thinks; Old Hollywood, two parents, children, a house and a car. Why is it that we don’t challenge these images? Are we really upset by it or do we truly believe in it?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
RE: For anyone who has attended another college...
In response to Erin's blog post earlier:
I was born and raised in Fredonia and SUNY Fredonia is the only college I have really ever been to. I guess you can say I have not been exposed to much racial diversity. Going to Fredonia High school their was only one biracial kid that went to my school. So coming to the college campus I thought I was really being exposed to a diverse group. In my circumstance (and in Erin's), I believe we are "more exposed" to racial diversity on this campus because we are always in the CMA office so we get to interact with individuals of multiple races and ethnicities. However, I don't think that other people on this campus are as exposed to as much of this diversity as we are. The more and more I learn in this class, the more my eyes are open to the community around me. Yes, we have a diverse and open community on this campus, but sometimes I feel like only certain groups of people hangout with other certain groups of people. I wish I saw more straight people wanting to get involved in Pride. Or men wanting to get involved in WSU. Or white people wanting to get involved in Black Student Union. Maybe I am just being pessimistic. I would like to know what other people think.
Face of America
I know the might seem so narrow minded. But hopefully I do not offend anyone. When people ask me what I think of when I think of America: this picture pretty much sums it up. Strong, southern, cowboy men, driving big trucks, drinking a beer (no light beer) and listening to patriotic country music. I know that I shouldn't think this is your "typical" American, but I just can't get this image out! The funny thing is that my step dad is exactly like this type of man. In December he will be serving is second year in Afghanistan. Even though I think he is a great guy, I disagree with almost everything he says or believes. He is extremely narrow minded and believes we should stand by anything and everything the country decides to do. You would think that because I don't believe this is the image America should have that I would change it. Trust me, I want to, but it's just really hard. The instant you say America: this is what I think. I hope one day, the image of being "American" will change.
Tyler Perry Presents: Destruction of Progress
Is "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" a good thing? Was the Tyler Perry (and Oprah) produced drama "Precious" a good thing? Yes, sitcoms have habitually excluded African Americans not named Cosby or ones who grew up in West Philadelphia, but these Tyler Perry produced shows are just awful. First things first, they aren't funny. I have had the misfortune of sitting through "Meet the Browns" and found myself distraught that I couldn't carry alcohol on the plane due to FCC regulations. It was awful! I wanted to reach through the screen and punch the idiot who was the main character. I don't feel as though proper grammar is too much to ask, but not screaming for the entire episode should be required by law. "House of Payne" is just as bad. While they may touch upon sensitive issues such as rape and racism, they perpetuate misogyny and racism! The commercial for the friggin show is Curtis, the main character, screaming for his wife to bring him a beer and the remote control.
"Precious" is another issue entirely. The entire movie was a giant stereotype. Was it sad? Yes. Did it make you angry? Yes! Was it a reason for aid? Yes! However, it was a horrible representation of the black community. That's all I'll say about that.
This door swings both ways. Shows like "My Name is Earl" and movies like "Joe Dirt" portray a bunch of idiotic white rednecks. Can't we have more shows like "Scrubs?"
"Precious" is another issue entirely. The entire movie was a giant stereotype. Was it sad? Yes. Did it make you angry? Yes! Was it a reason for aid? Yes! However, it was a horrible representation of the black community. That's all I'll say about that.
This door swings both ways. Shows like "My Name is Earl" and movies like "Joe Dirt" portray a bunch of idiotic white rednecks. Can't we have more shows like "Scrubs?"
The Definition of American
My definition of America is slightly different, but I disagree with some of the other assessments. We DID elect a black man as our chief diplomat, so it appears that the nation was at least somewhat united in who they thought should represent America. While the image of the Ford truck, rumbling through the rocky mountains, only to have the driver (in Levi's) getting our and cracking open a nice tall Coors' banquet beer (made only with the freshest high country barley), we neglect to show the inner-city America that so many people are a product of. The old black men playing checkers or a black barbershop are just as indicative of the American ideal that we should wish to portray.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Caucasia Discussion Questions
Please answer a minimum of SIX of the following questions on Danzy Senna's novel Caucasia. Use specific examples from the novel to support your answers. For the sake of clarity please post your responses as a comment to this post. Your responses will be due by this Sunday (April 24th) at midnight. Please let me know if you have any questions.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Caucasia begins with Birdie's recollection: "A long time ago I disappeared. One day I was here, the next I was gone." Why does Birdie come to think of herself as having "disappeared" when living as Jesse Goldman? Is her ability to disappear a blessing or a curse? Is Birdie "passing" when she calls herself black, or when she calls herself white? When is she not passing?
2. Cole and Birdie speak Elemeno, a language named after their favorite letters in the alphabet, "with no verb tenses, no pronouns, just words floating outside time and space, without owner or direction" (p. 6). How does Elemeno reflect the sisters' positions in their family and in the world? Why does Elemeno continue to be so important to Birdie throughout the novel?
3. In what ways is the tension between Sandy and Cole typical of that between any mother and daughter, and in what ways is it specific to an interracial family? Do you agree with Cole's statement: "Mum doesn't know anything about raising a black child" (p. 44)? Does Sandy treat her two daughters differently based on their appearances?
4. Why do you think Deck treats Birdie with a "cheerful disinterest-never hostility or ill will, but with a kind of impatient amusement" (p. 47)? Do you think he loves Birdie? How do Birdie and Cole respond differently to Deck's teachings on race? Who internalizes his vision of America more? By the end of the novel, have Cole and Birdie embraced or rejected their parents' philosophies about the world? Which sister seems to have become more like Deck, and which more like Sandy?
5. Officially, Birdie has no name. Her birth certificate "still reads 'Baby Lee,' like the gravestone of some stillborn child" (p. 17). Her sister's name, meanwhile, was originally Colette after the French novelist, but was later shortened to Cole. Discuss the significance of the sisters' names.
6. Sandy and Deck are initially drawn together by a quote by the French existentialist writer, Camus, who wrote: "Do you drink coffee at night?" What does this initial encounter tell you about their compatibility, or incompatibility? Why does their relationship eventually sour? Do you believe they were torn apart because of external pressures, or internal ones? Do you think they would have stayed together had they lived in a less racially divided city or in another country altogether? By the end of the novel, does Birdie believe that her parents really loved each other? Do you believe that they did?
7. Birdie refers to the time she spends on the run with Sandy, while "the lie of our false identities seemed irrelevant" (p. 116), as "dreamlike." Despite a sense of loneliness, Birdie says she felt "comfort in that state of incompletion" (p. 116). Do you feel that this experience weighed more positively or negatively in Birdie's development? By the end of the novel, has she found "completion"-or will she continue to live in this state of incompletion?
8. How did Sandy and Birdie's stay at Aurora affect Birdie's emerging sexual identity? How do her sexual experiences with Alexis compare to her later sexual experiences with Nicholas in New Hampshire? Does Birdie's emerging sexuality in any way parallel her search for racial identity?
9. Redbone lurks in the background of the novel as a sinister figure. Why does he initially take such an interest in Birdie? Why does he take her photograph in the playground? Do you believe he is in part responsible for the troubles that befall the family? Ultimately, who or what do you feel is to blame for Cole and Birdie's separation?
10. Birdie often seeks her reflection in other women's faces. What parts of herself does she see mirrored in Cole? Sandy? Maria? Samantha? Dot? Penelope? Mona? Others? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages to being a chameleon?
11. Birdie holds on to a fantasy of helping Deck's research by spying on white people while "passing." How does she fail or succeed in her study? What does she find out? Does she become Jesse Goldman, or is she able to remain Birdie in disguise? Are her fantasies about Deck shattered or fulfilled when she encounters him at the novel's conclusion?
12. At some point in New Hampshire, Birdie starts to add items to her box of "negrobilia." Discuss the significance of the various "artifacts" Birdie keeps in her box. Do they succeed in helping her remember Cole and Deck?
13. In the woods one night in New Hampshire, Samantha says to Birdie: " 'I'm black. Like you' " (p. 242). Do you think Samantha has been aware of Birdie's racial heritage all along, or is Birdie mishearing her? What or who gives Birdie the courage to finally leave New Hampshire?
14. Birdie sees her mother as "a long-lost daughter of Mayflower histories, forever in motion, running from or toward an utterable hideaway" (p. 286). In your opinion, is Sandy more "a hero, a madwoman, or a fool" (p. 332)? What motivated her to take up a life of political activism? What has she sacrificed in the process?
15. Do you agree with Deck that race is "a complete illusion... a costume" (p. 334)? Does Birdie and Cole's experience prove that racial identity is simply a costume, or something deeper?
16. In the novel's conclusion, Birdie says to her sister: " 'They say you don't have to choose. But... there are consequences if you don't.'" Cole replies: " 'Yeah, and there are consequences if you do.'" What are the consequences of choosing and not choosing? Have Birdie and Cole chosen one part of their racial heritage over the other by the novel's conclusion?
17. Birdie writes, "While there seemed to be remnants of my mother's family everywhere-history books, PBS specials, plaques in Harvard Square-my father's family was a mystery. It was as if my father and Dot had arisen out of thin air." Does her mother's white family's written history shape her identity more than her black imagined one? How does knowing or not knowing one's history contribute to one's sense of identity? Does what we learn about ourselves through oral or written histories give us a different understanding of ourselves?
18. Do you agree with Deck's theory about mulattos in America functioning as canaries in the coal mine? Is Birdie a canary in the coal mine? What do you imagine her fate will be?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Caucasia begins with Birdie's recollection: "A long time ago I disappeared. One day I was here, the next I was gone." Why does Birdie come to think of herself as having "disappeared" when living as Jesse Goldman? Is her ability to disappear a blessing or a curse? Is Birdie "passing" when she calls herself black, or when she calls herself white? When is she not passing?
2. Cole and Birdie speak Elemeno, a language named after their favorite letters in the alphabet, "with no verb tenses, no pronouns, just words floating outside time and space, without owner or direction" (p. 6). How does Elemeno reflect the sisters' positions in their family and in the world? Why does Elemeno continue to be so important to Birdie throughout the novel?
3. In what ways is the tension between Sandy and Cole typical of that between any mother and daughter, and in what ways is it specific to an interracial family? Do you agree with Cole's statement: "Mum doesn't know anything about raising a black child" (p. 44)? Does Sandy treat her two daughters differently based on their appearances?
4. Why do you think Deck treats Birdie with a "cheerful disinterest-never hostility or ill will, but with a kind of impatient amusement" (p. 47)? Do you think he loves Birdie? How do Birdie and Cole respond differently to Deck's teachings on race? Who internalizes his vision of America more? By the end of the novel, have Cole and Birdie embraced or rejected their parents' philosophies about the world? Which sister seems to have become more like Deck, and which more like Sandy?
5. Officially, Birdie has no name. Her birth certificate "still reads 'Baby Lee,' like the gravestone of some stillborn child" (p. 17). Her sister's name, meanwhile, was originally Colette after the French novelist, but was later shortened to Cole. Discuss the significance of the sisters' names.
6. Sandy and Deck are initially drawn together by a quote by the French existentialist writer, Camus, who wrote: "Do you drink coffee at night?" What does this initial encounter tell you about their compatibility, or incompatibility? Why does their relationship eventually sour? Do you believe they were torn apart because of external pressures, or internal ones? Do you think they would have stayed together had they lived in a less racially divided city or in another country altogether? By the end of the novel, does Birdie believe that her parents really loved each other? Do you believe that they did?
7. Birdie refers to the time she spends on the run with Sandy, while "the lie of our false identities seemed irrelevant" (p. 116), as "dreamlike." Despite a sense of loneliness, Birdie says she felt "comfort in that state of incompletion" (p. 116). Do you feel that this experience weighed more positively or negatively in Birdie's development? By the end of the novel, has she found "completion"-or will she continue to live in this state of incompletion?
8. How did Sandy and Birdie's stay at Aurora affect Birdie's emerging sexual identity? How do her sexual experiences with Alexis compare to her later sexual experiences with Nicholas in New Hampshire? Does Birdie's emerging sexuality in any way parallel her search for racial identity?
9. Redbone lurks in the background of the novel as a sinister figure. Why does he initially take such an interest in Birdie? Why does he take her photograph in the playground? Do you believe he is in part responsible for the troubles that befall the family? Ultimately, who or what do you feel is to blame for Cole and Birdie's separation?
10. Birdie often seeks her reflection in other women's faces. What parts of herself does she see mirrored in Cole? Sandy? Maria? Samantha? Dot? Penelope? Mona? Others? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages to being a chameleon?
11. Birdie holds on to a fantasy of helping Deck's research by spying on white people while "passing." How does she fail or succeed in her study? What does she find out? Does she become Jesse Goldman, or is she able to remain Birdie in disguise? Are her fantasies about Deck shattered or fulfilled when she encounters him at the novel's conclusion?
12. At some point in New Hampshire, Birdie starts to add items to her box of "negrobilia." Discuss the significance of the various "artifacts" Birdie keeps in her box. Do they succeed in helping her remember Cole and Deck?
13. In the woods one night in New Hampshire, Samantha says to Birdie: " 'I'm black. Like you' " (p. 242). Do you think Samantha has been aware of Birdie's racial heritage all along, or is Birdie mishearing her? What or who gives Birdie the courage to finally leave New Hampshire?
14. Birdie sees her mother as "a long-lost daughter of Mayflower histories, forever in motion, running from or toward an utterable hideaway" (p. 286). In your opinion, is Sandy more "a hero, a madwoman, or a fool" (p. 332)? What motivated her to take up a life of political activism? What has she sacrificed in the process?
15. Do you agree with Deck that race is "a complete illusion... a costume" (p. 334)? Does Birdie and Cole's experience prove that racial identity is simply a costume, or something deeper?
16. In the novel's conclusion, Birdie says to her sister: " 'They say you don't have to choose. But... there are consequences if you don't.'" Cole replies: " 'Yeah, and there are consequences if you do.'" What are the consequences of choosing and not choosing? Have Birdie and Cole chosen one part of their racial heritage over the other by the novel's conclusion?
17. Birdie writes, "While there seemed to be remnants of my mother's family everywhere-history books, PBS specials, plaques in Harvard Square-my father's family was a mystery. It was as if my father and Dot had arisen out of thin air." Does her mother's white family's written history shape her identity more than her black imagined one? How does knowing or not knowing one's history contribute to one's sense of identity? Does what we learn about ourselves through oral or written histories give us a different understanding of ourselves?
18. Do you agree with Deck's theory about mulattos in America functioning as canaries in the coal mine? Is Birdie a canary in the coal mine? What do you imagine her fate will be?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Annie (16)
I had a fun time in class discussing whether it's right to have another race play the little girl Annie is right. My answer to that is yes and no.
No because of the time period when Annie took place since it'd be peculiar and no because it'd make it seem like we're glossing the time period. I related the idea of having the little black girl playing Annie to taking the N word away from huckleberry finn. That's taking away from the time period and how life was back then.
Yes because I'm sure it can be done right. Of course it would have to be tasteful and still have the same story line but people have remade movies, plays, musicals...etc and it turned out great.
No because of the time period when Annie took place since it'd be peculiar and no because it'd make it seem like we're glossing the time period. I related the idea of having the little black girl playing Annie to taking the N word away from huckleberry finn. That's taking away from the time period and how life was back then.
Yes because I'm sure it can be done right. Of course it would have to be tasteful and still have the same story line but people have remade movies, plays, musicals...etc and it turned out great.
Who is the face of America? What does America look like? (21)
During his weeks presentation The question was asked: "How would you define America? How does that look?" And a few people described America based on things , advertisement they seen on TV for Ford trucks, or Levi jeans commercials with a young white boy running through a open field... But although it seems silly we all as Americans see how diverse we all are our race and ethnicity, religion, sexuality and on in on. Yet it seem unanimously we agrees America if it were given a face would be white. I believe this is due in part to the racial fantasies that America wants to give off to the rest of the world. I believe its also due in a big part to the media here in America which otherwise makes it crystal clear that "black, yellow and red skin" as diversity yet White skin is the "norm". So I think this is only significant to say the least: In order to have any hope of abolishing racism we need not distort the true vision of America, we need not ignore the small grievances rather be real with ourselves and one another that their is no "normal" race or skin but people who live and breath and all bleed RED blood. Racial fantasies are some very powerful notions that hold power to distort images like America and what a true American looks like. And when I think of America I see you New York City with millions of beautiful people with elegant and tribal origins and lovely skin tones stretching all across the spectrum from ivory's, to blue blacks. Now that's America, all people.
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