Supreme Court Justice Henry Blackmun said, “To get beyond racism we must first take account of race. There is no other way.” Some contextual information: Blackmun was arguing against a colorblind approach. A colorblind approach is one that assumes that the best way to end discrimination is by treating individuals “blindly” without regard to race, culture, or ethnicity. When Blackmun stated that we must “take account of race” he meant that in order to mitigate or end racism we must first “see” or “recognize” or “pay attention to” race and its effects in our society. Thereafter, in Blackmun’s view, we would need to create policies founded on equity (not equality), which would attempt to level the playing field by giving a helping hand to the disadvantaged. Now, in your role as an educated member of society, respond to this statement. Make use of any combination of 157SL materials (readings, documentaries, discussions, etc.) to explain and support your position, but be sure to put everything in your own words (no quotations). Note that you can take any position you want. Regardless of what your position is, you will be graded on the quality of your argument, including how effectively you explain and support your position using 157SL materials.
Now consider the following argument: “[B]uilding a democratic and just society requires critical understandings of unequal social structures and engaging in emancipatory political struggles. Citizenship as agency, then, has to do with the willingness to ask difficult questions, with the confidence that one’s agency can influence changes (political efficacy) and with the collective capacity to address injustices and build a better society.” (Schugurensky, 2010) Reflect on Schugurensky’s argument. How do you feel that you are developing understanding of critical social issues through your participation in 157SL? How do you feel that you are developing a willingness to ask and/or reflect on difficult questions (about in/equality, and/or other subjects) through your participation in 157SL? How do you feel that you/we have the capacity to build a better society? Refer to 157SL materials and/or experiences, but don’t quote. Rather, put everything into your own words.
(350-400 words – state your word count on top of your answer.) Finally, respond substantially and thoughtfully to two of your classmates’ discussion posts. This is a small group discussion. You have to post first before seeing your group members’ responses.
