Social Context
Watch Dr. Tatum discuss when children first become aware of their own race or ethnicity. After her son came home and asked her why his skin was brown, she started asking the school when and how conversations about race come up. In her discussions that ensued with her son, she focused on shaping the narrative of the history of Black people in the United States to one of resistance to victimization. In your Discussion, use the following questions as a guide. You do not have to answer all of the questions, and you are free to go beyond these questions if it adds to the discussion. Feel free to share personal experiences if you feel comfortable. Your discussion post should be 1-2 paragraphs. 1/ What is the difference between being color-blind, and color-silent? 2/ When did you first become aware of your own race or ethnicity? 3/ Did conversations about race come up at school? At home? In a different social context? How did you feel about those conversations at the time? 4/ Using what you’ve learned in this week’s unit: Why do you think it is important that we talk to children and adolescents about race?