final essay 6 pages

1. Toward a Less Racist America

This quarter, we have heard from several authors who detail the societal problems faced by ethnic minorities. Consider some of the most important or damaging aspects of racism chronicled by these authors. What can be done to address these problems? While it seems unlikely that any single solution will fix all the deeply entrenched racial problems of society, we can imagine many positive changes that might chip away at the problem. These changes might apply to the mindsets and behaviors of individuals, to how we educate our children, to how our governments operate, to the laws we’re expected to abide by, to law enforcement, or to any other area of life. You may draw on current events, knowledge of pop-culture, class notes, or videos we watched in class (email me if you want links).

Resources: Harris-Perry, McIntosh, Malcolm X, King, Anzaldúa, 13th

2. Improving on the Truth

It seems that wherever one finds humans, one also finds the practice of telling lies. What motivates lying and what social functions does it serve? Draw on Persepolis, as well as other core texts in arguing for an answer to that question that explains the function of lying in multiple texts. Be sure to bear in mind the distinction between lying, which involves intentional deception, and other ways of not telling the truth, such as being mistaken, exaggerating, being delusional, creating fiction, and so forth.

Resources: Sor Juana, Unamuno, Malcolm X, Frankl, Sartre

3. The Future of Reality

Gloria Anzaldúa tells us that “Culture forms our beliefs. We perceive the version of reality that it communicates” (38). As this country becomes increasingly multicultural, more Americans are becoming aware of the extent to which we have taken for granted a version of ‘reality’ predicated on the values and interests of dominant groups (whites, males, heterosexuals, Christians, rich people, etc.). More than ever, we’re hearing voices that have been suppressed in the past. What does this mean for our shared consciousness as a nation going forward? Here are some related questions you might consider. What role do the internet and popular media play in this cultural evolution? How does this plurality of viewpoints affect our notions of truth, reality, authority, and representative government? How might emerging technologies affect our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in?

Resources: Malcolm X, Satrapi, Harris-Perry, McIntosh, Woolf, Nietzsche, Wilson

4. Your Borderlands

Do you straddle more than one culture or subculture? Do you think in more than one language or dialect? In telling your story, explore your identity and experiences as located in a specific time, place, and culture. Enrich your account with research and any of the following: poetry, imagery, dreams, idioms, or incorporating a language that is not Standard American English. In what ways do you have to reconcile differences between two cultures and what are some examples of how this conflict plays out in your life, both inner and outer? Draw on Core texts from this quarter to frame the conflict of cultures. Texts from last quarter may be helpful to elucidate religious backgrounds. You do not need a thesis for this prompt, but your essay should show extensive engagement with multiple Core texts.*

Resources: Anzaldúa, Satrapi, Malcolm X, Genesis, Matthew, Nietzsche

*Thanks to Caren Camblin for the idea for this prompt.

5. Lock or Key?

It could be argued that religion is one of the most effective tools ever devised for controlling people. On the other hand, religion has also been used to inspire and mobilize liberation movements. Why is religion so effective at…what it does? Make your case using at least 3 religions (or sects) and several historical, scriptural, and/or literary examples.

Resources: Sor Juana, Martin Luther King Jr., Satrapi, Malcolm X, Gandhi, Unamuno, Nietzsche, Frankl, various scriptures.

6. The Fight to Remain Silent

Society teaches men and women to feel ashamed of very different things. Use Core texts and your own experience to show the ways that each gender needs to self-censor their thoughts and feelings to avoid violating social taboos. What effects do these norms of self-censorship have on us? What changes might we see in society and in ourselves if women and men felt more free to express themselves honestly without fear of judgment? Which taboos can we do without? Do any serve useful functions?

Resources: Sor Juana, Woolf, Anzaldúa, Malcolm X, Satrapi, Genesis

7. Slave Uprising

Many of the texts we read in the second quarter of Self & Society show traditionally disadvantaged groups standing up for their rights. They are therefore expressions of what Friedrich Nietzsche would call “slave morality.” Nietzsche tells us that slave morality is based on resentment, that it promotes mediocrity, but that it is also clever and adds depth to the human character. Review Nietzsche’s comments on slave morality, and consider 3-4 texts from this quarter through the lens of master and slave morality. To what extent is Nietzsche’s characterization of slave morality correct? What does Nietzsche get right and what does he get wrong?

Resources: Marx, King, Malcolm X, Frankl, Anzaldúa, Woolf, Sor Juana, Harris-Perry, McIntosh, Tirado