Sunday, December 26, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Late Submission by Temoc
04-18-2010
Dear Miss Sally Hemming,
I would like to personally address some things, in a letter that should never be read by any other eyes than our own. I would like to address my writings, visions, and actions. Though you cannot read, this letter, is for your eye, and will be said to you, with me by your side.
I have written a work called “Laws”, in my notes on the state of Virginia, mainly because I think we needed my opinion of laws to be written, seen, and heard. There are many issues to be sought out and fixed in this new country, and Laws, within the state and greater must be address.
Let it be known that I care for you deeply, as my helper, and that the secrete that I hold is one which I do not believe in everything I have written. Rather, I am deeply confused, but I know my vision and purpose, and God’s will. I know, for the time being, you must stay a slave. To please the common folk, the Negro must stay as servants to us. But as you know, from your time in France, this does not have to be true. Unlike what I have written in my notes, you are human, and you are a living being, and you deserve all the treatments of any other person….but I cannot write this. This is not the time.
You are my slave, my servant, my friend, and other times, another person for whom I cherish deeply. Ms. Heming, this is a hard letter for me to write, but I had to write it. What I have created, for Query XIV is to say the least, gross. But it is what is right, for the time now. It is just, it is my idea of the idea union, for this time. Over our time together, I know this, these words, are not correct, completely. However, I need you to know, that I am confused. And, that yes, you I care for deeply.
I have told this to you in my own ways, but in reflection to my article, this poured out.
Until this reading to you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Jefferson
1) How does “Laws” affect the creation of the Union and how does it form our ideas about the Negro people now, and of the Native population.
2) What are the differences of portrayal, between Ms. Hemmings and Ellen Craft, in terms of black womanhood? What are the common themes presented?
5-2-2010
Dear Mr. Jacobson,
I would like to address one small issue with you about your work…
I have to say, I do agree with much that you have written in the Political History of Whiteness. In terms of politics, scientific study, and privilege, I think you deconstructed our historical relationship whit whiteness very well. However, what about Blackness? And what of the relationship of whiteness to blackness?
You did site Franz Boas on page 33, and the discovery of modern anthropology, but what of the application and morphology of whiteness and blackness then? Yes, Black people were humanized more, and yes, white people became more homogenous in terms of culture, but from my perspective, nothing really changed….you just showed how the polarity of black/whiteness has more or less stayed the same. But, I do not think you illustrated the true ramifications of this kind of thinking.
The fact of the matter is, Black people, since and before Jefferson’s note, have been the alien—for lack of a better term. The blackness, embedded in our skin is the ultimate point of difference and discrimination. We have, and still are, treated with the first glace understanding that we are the worst of people, thought that may not be true. Yes, whiteness has not always been homogenous. And yes, there was strife. But, always, the black people are treated the worst, unless they can pass….and even then, alienation occurs within.
I have to say, you have written an important document. However, I would have like to see more of the other races represented in response and relationship to whiteness. More, importantly, a close comparative analysis, so that this history can be seen in relation to color. Yes, your document show much about whiteness, but, in then end, we are still only talking about white people—how much more work have you done than your predecessor?
Thank You
Toni Morrison.
In response to Sanchez’s work
1) How does Mexican American and Mexican culture mix and change? How do people adapt to place and space?
2) If Toni Morrison believes Blacks are the real Aliens, what does that have to do with Land and Sea? How does this speak to the immigration of the Mexican American?
5/9/2010
Dear Helga,
I have read about your journey. And I am happy, sad, and yet still hopeful.
You have been through so much honey, yes you have, and I see it. I am sorry where you end up. Why, oh why, I ask myself why do decided to have all those children and tie yourself to that man in the end. But I guess, a man of God is familiar, it is beckoning you.
But, you did, as I, know the life of a single woman. You knew what I meant. The hardship and troubles of being of color, and being in the city, alone. It is hard, full of danger, and like me, you had not idea what to do.
You didn’t know your place, but we didn’t have one yet. In the future, I am sure we will have one, but as of now, there is nothing for us…. there is only “our place”.
I have to say, even with your ending. It could have been worse. Going to Europe, going and minstrel shows being so popular there…we are not liked everywhere…but you had your journey.
I am so sorry it was so hard and sad for you. I had hoped you would fine your love you needed…but I think you did….in your children I pray. I pray for their future, and their work and adventures….for you were a beginning, and definitely not an end…
Sincerely
Hunter.
1) Who did it in the end of Passing? What do you think really happened?
2) In Pinky, how does blackness and blackface perpetuate? How does it do so now in our popular culture?
5/23/2010
Dear Lee,
Your work in Orientals can be seen to always show “the Asian” as other. Always….
It is a crazy concept to think of…
In most of your anecdotes, you play with what it means to be Asian, in response to the 3rd sexuality: “The male Asian, being so submissive he does not matter…. In fact, he is the other… just have him work for us, and let us make fun of his doppelganger phenomenon of himself”. It is all very interesting.
What I find most fascinating, is the relationship to Playing Indian…as my book is titled…
I find interesting the concept of other. For Indians, playing it shrouds oneself in other, that is assumed not to exist. But, for yellowface, one shrouds in the other that which is there, yet, fears no ramifications, because the subject is essentially dehumanized. Indigenous people are not even considered human, they are considered dead….and yet, Asian, knowingly alive and present—the model minority—well it does not matter. Even in the age of 2007, we play a racist role against the Asian males, and in Miss Saigon, the female…
I do like the concept of the other, and I believe it is accurate. I just wish there was a way to change it, and somehow make the Asian culture native….but I do find issue with that. How can we do such a thing without the continued erasing of the Native American population? How can the Alien cease to exist, when the native has always been here.
I think we have an interesting problem and dilemma here. After we talk about majority culture, and how they treat the minority races, how do minority races treat each other? Yes, of course along with the majority culture….but really, how does a melting pot really work? And how dangerous is it?
Very, and I think you would agree.
I would like to speak to you more about your work. Please contact me if you can.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Deloria
1) What are the differences, as Toni Morrison would see it, between blackface and yellowface?
2) What are the similarities between Mexican American immigration and integration and Asian American immigration and integration?
Dear Miss Sally Hemming,
I would like to personally address some things, in a letter that should never be read by any other eyes than our own. I would like to address my writings, visions, and actions. Though you cannot read, this letter, is for your eye, and will be said to you, with me by your side.
I have written a work called “Laws”, in my notes on the state of Virginia, mainly because I think we needed my opinion of laws to be written, seen, and heard. There are many issues to be sought out and fixed in this new country, and Laws, within the state and greater must be address.
Let it be known that I care for you deeply, as my helper, and that the secrete that I hold is one which I do not believe in everything I have written. Rather, I am deeply confused, but I know my vision and purpose, and God’s will. I know, for the time being, you must stay a slave. To please the common folk, the Negro must stay as servants to us. But as you know, from your time in France, this does not have to be true. Unlike what I have written in my notes, you are human, and you are a living being, and you deserve all the treatments of any other person….but I cannot write this. This is not the time.
You are my slave, my servant, my friend, and other times, another person for whom I cherish deeply. Ms. Heming, this is a hard letter for me to write, but I had to write it. What I have created, for Query XIV is to say the least, gross. But it is what is right, for the time now. It is just, it is my idea of the idea union, for this time. Over our time together, I know this, these words, are not correct, completely. However, I need you to know, that I am confused. And, that yes, you I care for deeply.
I have told this to you in my own ways, but in reflection to my article, this poured out.
Until this reading to you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Jefferson
1) How does “Laws” affect the creation of the Union and how does it form our ideas about the Negro people now, and of the Native population.
2) What are the differences of portrayal, between Ms. Hemmings and Ellen Craft, in terms of black womanhood? What are the common themes presented?
5-2-2010
Dear Mr. Jacobson,
I would like to address one small issue with you about your work…
I have to say, I do agree with much that you have written in the Political History of Whiteness. In terms of politics, scientific study, and privilege, I think you deconstructed our historical relationship whit whiteness very well. However, what about Blackness? And what of the relationship of whiteness to blackness?
You did site Franz Boas on page 33, and the discovery of modern anthropology, but what of the application and morphology of whiteness and blackness then? Yes, Black people were humanized more, and yes, white people became more homogenous in terms of culture, but from my perspective, nothing really changed….you just showed how the polarity of black/whiteness has more or less stayed the same. But, I do not think you illustrated the true ramifications of this kind of thinking.
The fact of the matter is, Black people, since and before Jefferson’s note, have been the alien—for lack of a better term. The blackness, embedded in our skin is the ultimate point of difference and discrimination. We have, and still are, treated with the first glace understanding that we are the worst of people, thought that may not be true. Yes, whiteness has not always been homogenous. And yes, there was strife. But, always, the black people are treated the worst, unless they can pass….and even then, alienation occurs within.
I have to say, you have written an important document. However, I would have like to see more of the other races represented in response and relationship to whiteness. More, importantly, a close comparative analysis, so that this history can be seen in relation to color. Yes, your document show much about whiteness, but, in then end, we are still only talking about white people—how much more work have you done than your predecessor?
Thank You
Toni Morrison.
In response to Sanchez’s work
1) How does Mexican American and Mexican culture mix and change? How do people adapt to place and space?
2) If Toni Morrison believes Blacks are the real Aliens, what does that have to do with Land and Sea? How does this speak to the immigration of the Mexican American?
5/9/2010
Dear Helga,
I have read about your journey. And I am happy, sad, and yet still hopeful.
You have been through so much honey, yes you have, and I see it. I am sorry where you end up. Why, oh why, I ask myself why do decided to have all those children and tie yourself to that man in the end. But I guess, a man of God is familiar, it is beckoning you.
But, you did, as I, know the life of a single woman. You knew what I meant. The hardship and troubles of being of color, and being in the city, alone. It is hard, full of danger, and like me, you had not idea what to do.
You didn’t know your place, but we didn’t have one yet. In the future, I am sure we will have one, but as of now, there is nothing for us…. there is only “our place”.
I have to say, even with your ending. It could have been worse. Going to Europe, going and minstrel shows being so popular there…we are not liked everywhere…but you had your journey.
I am so sorry it was so hard and sad for you. I had hoped you would fine your love you needed…but I think you did….in your children I pray. I pray for their future, and their work and adventures….for you were a beginning, and definitely not an end…
Sincerely
Hunter.
1) Who did it in the end of Passing? What do you think really happened?
2) In Pinky, how does blackness and blackface perpetuate? How does it do so now in our popular culture?
5/23/2010
Dear Lee,
Your work in Orientals can be seen to always show “the Asian” as other. Always….
It is a crazy concept to think of…
In most of your anecdotes, you play with what it means to be Asian, in response to the 3rd sexuality: “The male Asian, being so submissive he does not matter…. In fact, he is the other… just have him work for us, and let us make fun of his doppelganger phenomenon of himself”. It is all very interesting.
What I find most fascinating, is the relationship to Playing Indian…as my book is titled…
I find interesting the concept of other. For Indians, playing it shrouds oneself in other, that is assumed not to exist. But, for yellowface, one shrouds in the other that which is there, yet, fears no ramifications, because the subject is essentially dehumanized. Indigenous people are not even considered human, they are considered dead….and yet, Asian, knowingly alive and present—the model minority—well it does not matter. Even in the age of 2007, we play a racist role against the Asian males, and in Miss Saigon, the female…
I do like the concept of the other, and I believe it is accurate. I just wish there was a way to change it, and somehow make the Asian culture native….but I do find issue with that. How can we do such a thing without the continued erasing of the Native American population? How can the Alien cease to exist, when the native has always been here.
I think we have an interesting problem and dilemma here. After we talk about majority culture, and how they treat the minority races, how do minority races treat each other? Yes, of course along with the majority culture….but really, how does a melting pot really work? And how dangerous is it?
Very, and I think you would agree.
I would like to speak to you more about your work. Please contact me if you can.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Deloria
1) What are the differences, as Toni Morrison would see it, between blackface and yellowface?
2) What are the similarities between Mexican American immigration and integration and Asian American immigration and integration?
Friday, June 4, 2010
Dear Robert Lee
I find many of your arguments about the Asian-American experience rather compelling; however, your need to co-opt language from the black experience in america, and further compare the experience of black and asian americans contradicts your assertion of the Asian as the "true alien", and reaffirms the black people are indeed the most alien of racial minorities. As I explain in my essay, other racial groups were historically compared to and defined based on their physical differences vis-a-vis black americans. The american racial paradigm establishes a black/white binary, and positioning other ethnic groups in relation to the two. All of other americans, because of their phenotype contrast to blacks, have been able to successfully melt into whiteness. Your argument that Asians were the "model minority" simply reify's this point, since their are only "model" in comparison to the social reality of blacks. This convention of comparing blacks to other minorities as you have done in constructing your "model minority" theory is problematic as it completely oversimplifies and neglects the structural limitations experienced by black americans. I hope that this letter helps you reconsider many of your thoughts, and engage racial history of America more critically.
Best,
Toni Morrison
Dear Congress of American Indians
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has decided to allow sports teams to use celebrated figures from all races and ethnicities as their mascots. This is a part of the NCAA's initiative to promote diversity in sports representations of different populations. Mascots such as the West Virginia Rednecks, Orange County Dumb Blondes, Arizona Papi Chulos, Mayfield Thugz, will not be readily available for sports teams across America to adopt. Our goal is to provide mascots of people of all racial backgrounds, especially minorities, so that they are better represented in sports media. Also, Indians will no longer be the focal point of sports mascots. We hope that this addresses all of your concerns about the "Indian mascot" issue, and that we can build coalition and work together to promote our mutual interests of diversity in sports.
Best,
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thomas' Response
My favorite post remains the first that I did, discussing the performance nature of identity.
I suppose the slave narrative that we read made me realize how much of our identities is determined by how we behave and act--and that in turn determines how people treat us. This has been especially relevant for me in thinking about my own identity, how much of it I perform and how much of it is intrinsic or socialized.
I think over all my questions will remain about how much of identity is true or innate and how much of it is a social construction. I'd like to explore this question more and it's something I constantly think about when I use labels to define myself. Some labels seem to extend further than words (a rose by any name) while others seem totally dependent on social contexts.
I suppose the slave narrative that we read made me realize how much of our identities is determined by how we behave and act--and that in turn determines how people treat us. This has been especially relevant for me in thinking about my own identity, how much of it I perform and how much of it is intrinsic or socialized.
I think over all my questions will remain about how much of identity is true or innate and how much of it is a social construction. I'd like to explore this question more and it's something I constantly think about when I use labels to define myself. Some labels seem to extend further than words (a rose by any name) while others seem totally dependent on social contexts.
Jenni's Reflections
In order to reflect on my previous blog posts, I actually decided to write another letter, because this letter was in my head the whole time I was reading article on "The Boondocks." Basically, the questions I still have from this class focus mainly around defining race and particularly defining "mixed race," using definitions of race and ethnicity that continually change, and excising older definitions of race (scientific, "one drop" etc) from our national discussion of race. My favorite blog post and text was the one on "The Hemingses of Monticello" because I believe our discussion on that book was one of the more controversial but also one of the more rich and fruitful, as we had many different opinions and never really "completed" the discussion - there were always more questions. I also enjoyed my own blog post from William Craft to Ellen Craft because I enjoyed writing such a personal note. For the rest of my reflection, here is my letter from Jazmine from "The Boondocks" to President Obama:
Dear Mr. President,
First of all I want to say that I think you're doing a fine job as president. I'm sure it's not an easy job and I think thepeople who don't like you are giving you kind of a hard time. But mostly I wanted to ask you about how you identify yourself. I know that seems like a silly question but my mom says that I get to choose how to identify myself, and my friend Huey says I'm just like you and you're black so that makes me black. What do you tell people about yourself? It's not that I don't want to be white or that I don't want to be black, I just don't really want to have to say I'm one or the other because if I say I'm white, Huey says that that's obviously wrong and people can see it, but if I say I'm black then what about the part of me that's from my mom? Where does that part of me go? Where do the different parts of you go, Mr. President? What about your daughters? They're about my age, where do the different parts of them go? Maybe you could pass this letter on to them and they could write me back if they have any ideas. I'm just wondering if you have any advice for me and anyone else like us. My mom says when I grow up I can "check more than one box" - but my dad says that has political implications that I may not agree with. What did you check?
Sincerely,
Jazmine
Dear Mr. President,
First of all I want to say that I think you're doing a fine job as president. I'm sure it's not an easy job and I think thepeople who don't like you are giving you kind of a hard time. But mostly I wanted to ask you about how you identify yourself. I know that seems like a silly question but my mom says that I get to choose how to identify myself, and my friend Huey says I'm just like you and you're black so that makes me black. What do you tell people about yourself? It's not that I don't want to be white or that I don't want to be black, I just don't really want to have to say I'm one or the other because if I say I'm white, Huey says that that's obviously wrong and people can see it, but if I say I'm black then what about the part of me that's from my mom? Where does that part of me go? Where do the different parts of you go, Mr. President? What about your daughters? They're about my age, where do the different parts of them go? Maybe you could pass this letter on to them and they could write me back if they have any ideas. I'm just wondering if you have any advice for me and anyone else like us. My mom says when I grow up I can "check more than one box" - but my dad says that has political implications that I may not agree with. What did you check?
Sincerely,
Jazmine
Reflections
First off, I'd like to say that this class was one of the most educational and inspiring class I've taken thus far at Stanford. Looking over the course of this class, I'd have to say that I've learned so much from not only the materials we've read, but from each of the students in this class. Also, it has tied so many former classes I've taken together in a way that I've never experienced before - which affirms the fact that race and identity is either the crux or extremely tangential to anything one studies.
My favorite post would probably be the one I wrote about Mexican American identity. I am currently taking a class on Mexican American history, and the themes that we've learned in this class tied very well together with the ones I'm learning in the other class. I think the most interesting thing I've learned in this class however was how race and identity were perceived in postbellum United States. Seeing the "one-drop rule" concretely in various materials we read was fascinating. It still is strange to me that race is so central to the American psyche and has been engrained indelibly onto each and every one of our minds, even today, however in various manifestations. I hope that one day the American populace will reduce the importance of race in the legal realm, and shift over to affirmative action on the grounds of socioeconomic status instead of racial makeup. We have all learned, through the course of this class, that race is arbitrary - but what we identify with, what we glean important from our ethnic make-up, is the most valuable way to explore race.
My favorite post would probably be the one I wrote about Mexican American identity. I am currently taking a class on Mexican American history, and the themes that we've learned in this class tied very well together with the ones I'm learning in the other class. I think the most interesting thing I've learned in this class however was how race and identity were perceived in postbellum United States. Seeing the "one-drop rule" concretely in various materials we read was fascinating. It still is strange to me that race is so central to the American psyche and has been engrained indelibly onto each and every one of our minds, even today, however in various manifestations. I hope that one day the American populace will reduce the importance of race in the legal realm, and shift over to affirmative action on the grounds of socioeconomic status instead of racial makeup. We have all learned, through the course of this class, that race is arbitrary - but what we identify with, what we glean important from our ethnic make-up, is the most valuable way to explore race.
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