Philosophy

Philosophy of Race

Spring 2020

General Instructions: Your completed assignment must be turned in to me—via online drop box—by 6 PM on Monday, March 23, 2020. Please type your responses—double-spaced with one-inch margins. The exam is worth 100 points. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.

1. What do the words racism, prejudice, and stereotype mean? Does racism still exist? If so, where is it? If not, why do minorities insist that it does exist? Do you think we will ever get to a point where racism will no longer be a problem?

2. Imagine a time when you have played party to unintentional racism. (This could be singing lyrics in a song or something as simple as locking your car doors when you pull up to a 7/11 and see someone with a different color of skin pull up next to you.) Write an example of a time where you believe you have been a part of unintentional racism. Then, develop an argument as to whether or not this example fits unconscious/unintentional, conscious/unintentional, or intentional/conscious racism, and why. Make sure you are taking the time to analyze your actions, as well as understand how this plays a part in different aspects of racism on a daily basis.

3. Give a critical assessment of Cornel West’s argument in the chapter, “A Genealogy of Modern Racism.” (Meaning: give a very brief sketch of his argument; then, give an example of how the normative gaze has day-to-day consequence for people of color in America.) Finally, and more importantly, critically discuss the chapter’s strengths and weaknesses.