Racism is Dead!

Or...so I understood from many of the 24/7 news pundits who proclaimed race as a non-factor in the 2008 presidential election. In a column for Forbes.com, author John McWhorter, wrote:

"Obama has come in for some criticism for not putting forth a 'black' agenda--i.e., one designed to combat 'racism' in various ways. It's because he knows that paradigm has no useful application to our times."

So, clearly racism is no longer a problem--or if it is, it has become so minute that we no longer need to consider it as part of a national dialogue. Has our Race & Culture class already become outdated??

Well, I'd like you to consider Obama's victory--is it an end to racism? Will it lead to an end of racism in the U.S.? Before answering, please browse through another blog on the Chicago Tribune website: Exploring Race

I would recommend reading the initial article "Was this race a referendum on race?" and then scrolling through the comments readers posted (you may post on the Tribune site as well, if you so desire). After reading the brief article and comments, please post your reaction here.

***Hi all--I've read some of the posts and appreciate the insight so far...but I want you to DIG DEEPER! Please READ the Chicago Tribune post and the responses posted on the Tribune website before responding here--doing this is critical to the discussion because there is evidence to support your views!***

Steve's Space

Hi All,

This will be a speace where Professor Salaita can respond to our questions. Feel free to post a question simply by replying to this thread.

First question: Prof. Salaita, in your introduction you analyze Michael Moore's treatment of a member of Peace Fresno in Fahrenheit 9/11. You indicated that the scene would have been more effective had it highlighted perhaps an Arab-American who suffered as a result of the Patriot Act and institutional racism. We wondered if this criticism was fully just because does Moore have a responsibility to highlight Arab Americans? We also wondered if you contacted Moore about his lack of foci on Arab Americans, because he might have a reason for the exclusion. We wondered if a focus on Arab American racism might be suited for a different film--one directed by someone who was Arab-American.

Salaita's words ring true in Chicago?

From Saturday's Chicago Tribune:

Elmhurst College rallies in support of Muslim student attacked by masked man
Sophomore was hit at Elmhurst College

By Gerry Smith and Russell Working

Chicago Tribune reporters

October 11, 2008
Tensions that had been boiling at Elmhurst College spilled over this week amid reports that a Muslim student had been physically assaulted by a masked gunman.

The 19-year-old sophomore said she was hit with a gun in a bathroom in the college's science center Thursday night, authorities said. Anti-Muslim graffiti was written on the wall, authorities said, similar to a threat written on the same student's locker the week before that said: "Die Muslims, Rid us of your filth."

As officials at the private college affiliated with the United Church of Christ on Friday called the incident a hate crime, hundreds of students rallied to show solidarity with their Muslim peers, who constitute about 25 of the school's 3,300 students.

Elmhurst police are investigating, but declined to comment. Friends said the student had hired a lawyer, who did not return calls for comment.

A college spokesman said authorities have not found any witnesses of the attacker, who was described by the woman as a 5-foot-8 male wearing a mask and gloves.

The woman's father said Friday that she said the gunman asked her: " 'Now who is going to protect you?' " He said his daughter replied: " 'God will protect me. . . . You can kill me, but you cannot take my soul.' "

Students have reported tensions on campus since students held a Sept. 18 rally to protest the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, and several witnesses reported that three female Muslim students, including the woman who reported the attack, were harassed and verbally threatened.

Since then, "it's all kind of spiraled out of control," said Soofia Ahmed, president of the Muslim Students Association.

After students were outraged by the graffiti on the woman's locker, they staged a second rally Thursday, and the woman read a poem she had written about the events. Afterward, she said she was attacked.

"This is a blow against our entire community," Elmhurst College President Alan Ray told students at Friday's rally.

Carly Notorangelo, a friend of the woman, said she received a text message from her at 8:47 p.m. that said: "Emergency," and referenced the Schaible Science Center.

Notorangelo said she found her friend lying face down, unconscious with her glasses knocked off. There was no blood, she said. She called campus security and 911.

Another friend of the woman said she sought treatment at an area hospital.

Ray said the college is beefing up security, including foot and car patrols by Elmhurst police and campus security offering to escort Muslim students around the campus.

Tribune reporters Steve Schmadeke and Jeremy Gorner also contributed to this report.


Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-elmhurst-folo-both-11oct11,0,63528.story

Hip-Hop & Violence

Hi All,

I know you've got a lot of work to do--so this blog question will be scored differently than usual. If you reply to this post you will receive a homework credit (thus adding points to your overall grade). If you choose not to respond--you will NOT be penalized. So...here's the question:

In chapter 3, Reeves discusses the rise of a new set of hip-hop pioneers; Run D.M.C. Towards the end of the chapter Reeves writes about how Tipper Gore (Al Gore's wife) blamed rap music for promoting and encouraging violence among youths. In February 0f 2008, hip-hop duo Dead Prez saw a near riot occur at their Evergreen State concert when the emcees encouraged concert goers to prevent a campus policewoman from arresting a spectator. To what extent, if at all, is rap responsible for social behavior?

Does anyone pump their fists anymore?

In his first two chapters Marcus Reeves weaves the rise in black power alongside new cultural outputs of the black community from the start of Soul Train to the advent of the first major commercial rap artists in Grandmaster Flash, Sugarhill Gang, among others. In addition, Reeves describes periods of political and social tumult with the waning Civil Rights Movement seemingly closed by the election of Ronald Reagan. To what extent should we connect Hip-Hop's rise with politics? What role do you see for Hip-Hop in the future--will it be more commercial--or less so? Should rap promote change and social commentary, or will it be resigned to simple entertainment? What does Hip-Hop mean for you and future generations? These are just a few questions I pose when considering the future of Hip-Hop. Feel free to add your own thoughts or questions.

Religion & Racism

Hi All,

Your discussions about God and religion have peaked my curiosity. So, for extra credit--I'd like to offer the following question for discussion:

To what extent, if any, does religion play in racism? I ask this because, as we consider the notion of salvation--and that salvation coming through Christ, or any other prophet--seems to imply that one can only be "saved" if they recognize one, all powerful being as the savior. Doesn't this imply then, that other prophets, religions, are inferior because they do not lead to "true" salvation? And then if we pursue this further: by default, if we presume that one religious deity or prophet is superior over another, then can't that justify the argument that some humans are superior to others (racially or otherwise)?

I'm curious to hear you thoughts (and to see if I'm making sense here)!

Open Ended

Hey all,

We're closing in on the end of Salaita's book. I'm not going to provide you with a specific question to answer this time, but rather allow you the opportunity to comment on the book so far. You may want to raise/address any of the following (or raise your own questions/issues):

1. Do you agree the photos of Lynddie England are a metaphor for perceptions of the War in Iraq as a whole?
2. What do you think about Salaita's juxtaposition between his mother's "God" and the "God" he sees on TV or hears on the radio?
3. What can/should be done to change attitudes about anti-Arab racism in the United States?

Anti-Arab Racism at "Ground Zero"

Hey Everyone,

Hope you're enjoying your mini-vacation (in the meantime I plot to intrude on your time off :o)

I've asked you to read chapter three "Observations On a New Fifth Column" in Salaita's book. Below you'll find the question, but first:

Before replying, see if you can find out what the "fifth Column" is. Also, see what you can find about Edward Said. Be sure to consider Salaita's analysis of the media coverage surrounding Said's death. Think about what types of sources you should look into when researching him. Be prepared to discuss Edward Said in class on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Now...the blog question:

Salaita claims colleges and univeristies are "ground zero" for anti-arab racism. He cites the negative experiences Arab students have had at their respective schools, a lack of academic freedom, and a host of external organizations that crack down on professors who teach what is purported by them to be anti-Israeli lessons. Should academic freedom in universities be limited? Do professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner consistent with "American culture" or U.S. foreign policy? Some of you have felt that Salaita is too sensitive sometimes--what do you think about his arguments in this chapter?

Assimilation or Racism

Read the article below from the Chicago Tribune. After considering the perspectives in the article and our course readings, do you think Paul Ruff's email was appropriate? Should immigrants/new citizens assimilate to "traditional" American culture? Please support your responses with evidence and thoughtful analysis. I look forward to hearing from you!

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-assessor-email_both_21aug21,0,4041765.story
Frankfort Township Assessor Paul Ruff stands by e-mail on Islam, immigrants
Official does not apologize for distributing missive in June
By Mary Owen
Chicago Tribune reporter
10:50 PM CDT, August 20, 2008
Despite outrage from the local Muslim community, a Frankfort Township official did not apologize Wednesday for circulating an e-mail with anti-Islamic sentiments."The e-mail's basic message was that people coming to this country should adapt," Township Assessor Paul Ruff said in a statement. "This wasn't a hateful e-mail, but one that touched upon a sentiment in this country and around the world that immigrants have to adapt to their new homes."

Statements in the e-mail were attributed to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who a few years ago ignited controversy with criticism of Islam and statements asserting that immigrants need to adapt to their new country.Ruff said he did not write the content of the e-mail, and its origins were unknown.The flap has drawn the ire of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Chicago and members of a mosque in Frankfort, prompting residents and religious leaders to hold a town hall meeting last week to discuss discrimination against Muslims. Ruff did not attend the meeting."It's kind of a shock," Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the council, said Wednesday. "Clearly this is offensive behavior on behalf of a public official."

Ruff held a news conference at the township hall to defend himself against critics of the e-mail, which he acknowledges forwarding in June to people he knew.Two Will County sheriff's deputies were present at the township hall in case of a disturbance. Before Ruff spoke, officials distributed copies of letters to the editor from a local newspaper and played audio recordings of voice-mail messages from people who agree with Ruff.Among the voice-mail messages were statements such as: "Thank you for standing up for our way of life" and "It's about time someone had the you-know-what to speak up."

Rehab criticized Ruff's use of the township hall for his news conference and was frustrated by the distribution of letters to the editor."If we were unhappy with his behavior before, this is even worse," he said. "He can't keep hiding behind somebody else's name and passing out material that is hateful to support his perspective."Ruff said he is not a bigot or a racist, noting he has black and Hispanic neighbors. However, he did reiterate sentiments in the e-mail that denounced Islam and said the religion "institutionalizes discrimination against women and non-Muslims."

Tariq Khan, a board trustee for the American Islamic Association, which operates the Frankfort mosque, said he believes Ruff's response will further strain relations with the Muslim community."It's unfortunate that he's been so stubborn in not apologizing," said Khan, who arrived at the township hall moments after the news conference ended. "It's time to move on. He is a fine public servant, but I feel he made an error in judgment. "Ruff said he was being smeared by people angry about their property assessments.Phyllis Leonardo, 75, of Beecher said she came to support Ruff after seeing criticism of him in the newspaper."They're trying to change our way of living," she said. "Why are we selling our country out?"mowen@tribune.com
Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune

Original Post: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-assessor-email_both_21aug21,0,4041765.story

Do-gooders and Evil-doers

In chapter one Salaita describes America's view of the world as good vs. evil, with Arabs always being portrayed as "evil" and Americans always portrayed as "good". What do you think about this? Be sure to use evidence from the book and outside sources to support your responses. Feel free to locate web links for outside sources (such as online newspapers, journals, news stations) to support your argument. One such article for discussion can be found at:http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/09/16/gen.bush.terrorism/. Please note the date--five days after September 11th.

I'm curious to hear your views on this!

Welcome to the Race & Culture Through Hip-Hop Blog

Hi All,

You might want to bookmark this website on your computer as we'll be using it fairly frequently! In order to post on this site, you'll need to create an account. This is a PUBLIC site, so create a username that bears no reference to your name. Also avoid using your real name in your posts.

To create an account, simply click the "comment" link and follow the instructions. If you have questions, feel free to email me or stop by my classroom.

Blog ground rules:
1. Do not use your real identity
2. Please check spelling and grammar--this isn't a formal blog, but let's show off our superb edumacations!
3. Please post with substance. Your replies should be thoughtful!
4. You may comment or reply to other user's comments

That's it for now...here's your first question for discussion:

After reading the chapter from Ronald Takaki's A Different Mirror, how do you think "we" as in "we Americans" should be defined?