Background;
The expanse of combined readings and additional module resources explored over the past few weeks examined the construct of race as a source of oppression created to define characteristics of human existence and interactions in a race-based society. The readings of Marger, Buck, Freire, Gatto, Anderson and others inferred that race as a social construct depriving society from having humanism, begins and is reinforced through a banking-knowledge that teaches as well as sustains social distance through the tools of domination, binds dominant and dominated groups in co-dependency, and is unequivocally likened to defining who is an authentic-American.
Instructions for completion
Provide a critical analysis discussion using the expanse of the resources given to address the below prompts;
o Briefly (short paragraph) identify three (3) significant findings you gained through the readings, discussions, and/or resources? What impact or enlightenment have these findings added to your understanding on race?
o Evaluate the question. Is race a source of oppression since its social usage merely restricts people to assigned category imagery promoting othering, superiority and inferiority based soley on physical differences? Use the comprehensive learning outcomes found in Freire (chapters 1 and 2), Buck, and Gatto, and Anderson to shape your critical response.
o Freire (Chapter 2) establishes that oppressed groups seeking liberation must first acquire a consciousness on the source of their liberation hinting that most persons live within oppressive systems yet do not recognize their oppression as their condition is normalized. Thus, Freire proposes authentic liberation the process of becoming fully human beyond prescriptions (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) require the components of reflection, action, critical consciousness and problem-posing (problematize), wherein the oppressed seek to liberate themselves, as well as their oppressors from the source of oppression that binds them.
Question: Considering the structured and institutionalized existence of race in American institutions (social, political, economic, education) today, is there yet a liberation praxis to transform societal members to not see the other as a race category, but to see each other as humans first, and authentic-Americans? Use the readings of Freire and Anderson to evaluate this question.
o Americanization was discussed as a process of Anglo-conformity affording differing experiences among citizens with regard to being and having a sense of belongingness as an authentic-American due to some dehumanization experiences. Are the languages of build a wall, go back to where you came from, and speak English sources dehumanization as defined through Freire? Evaluate thoroughly.
