In class, we were talking about how in America, we often limit our conversation on race to just two races, black and white. This means that a number of groups are excluded from this conversation.
As someone who is both black and white, I have witnessed this dichotomy in my everyday life. I feel that common misconception about mixed race persons is that they are two races, when I often feel like I can only be one or the other. This strict grouping in America that tells us we are either black or white can leave the rest of us who are neither or both wondering where they fit in.
I make this point to emphasize the fact that we need to recognize that not everyone is black or white. Many people are neither, and many are both. We need to acknowledge this and incorporate these peoples into our conversations about race and American society. We exist, and we deserve recognition.
I agree, Isabella. The book does not address being biracial or races other than white. Of course, I think this makes sense given that Rankine bases her stories on her own experiences or those that she sees in the people around her. For me, being biracial has been confusing. The stigmas surrounding the "model minority" often labels me as white, although I don't necessarily feel it all the time. I'm not ignorant to the fact that being Asian comes with "white privilege", but at the same time is it really?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I think this applies to the book, society, and our school. The new documentary "America Is To Me" emphasizes this idea that we are either black or white. While they do address valued problems about race, they leave out latinos, asians, and other races. As neither a white or black person I can relate to your claim that we need to acknowledge and incorporate other races in American society.
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