“Race is an idea created over four centuries and has evolved into a powerful and enduring narrative.”
Using this statement as a framework to address the following questions, use both the documentary (with references) and additional research to submit your individual response.
Why is race central to the construction of American identity?
How does race operate as a social construct in this society? What are the determining factors?
How do class and hierarchies of social status/affluence/influence intersect with race to construct whiteness or white privilege?
How does this narrative continue to be perpetuated in contemporary America?
Use examples from contemporary cases/ incidents along with reference to historical cases to discuss the statement above, and your position on this issue.
Submission should be between 1000-1200 words. Include references.
The references should almost entirely be from Race: The Power of an Illusion documentary that I will provide a transcript of in additional materials
The essay should reflect your familiarity with ALL 3 parts of the documentary, specifically parts 2 and 3.
