FOR A-PLUS WRITER - RACE AND ETHNICITY REFLECTION JOURNAL

SOC 2601: Race and Ethnicity

Spring 2016

Race Reflection Five

A Music Playlist Curated around Race: “When Music Hits, You Feel No Pain”

Directions Please read these directions before attempting to complete this assignment. This is the fifth assignment to be included in your reflection journal (PART II). It should be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, 1" margins, double spaced and no more than 2 pages. Do not create a title page for this reflection. Instead create a running header with the following: your name and the number of the reflection. Be sure to also include a page numbers. Remember: Your grade on this reflection journal is based on whether you answer the questions and/or prompts accurately and completely, and whether (and how) you incorporate course materials (readings, lectures, and discussions) to show the depth of your reflection and the mastery of course content. ACTIVITY

Race in the United States is a complicated mix of past mistakes, present consequences and

the hope of a future where racial harmony will be realized. Imagine that you are tasked

with teaching a newcomer of your racial background all about how race operates here.

Rather than take this newcomer out for lunch and a frank conversation, you’ve decided to

create a playlist of 5 songs that will help them understand the experience of race in this

country for your shared racial group.

WRITE-UP

 First things first, choose your 5 songs. Be sure to include the song title and artist along with a few lyrics that best illustrate the song’s main idea(s).

o Lyrics should be at least 2 lines and no longer than a verse. Do not fill up your page with lots of song quotes.

 Provide a rationale for each of your songs. o Why did you choose to include each of these songs? What is the importance

of these songs? What about the artist? Why is this artist important? o What concept or ideas about race do these songs demonstrate? Be explicit. o What forms of racism, if any, do these songs demonstrate?

 What message about race, do you want this newcomer who listens to your playlist to take away? Why? What is the most important thing about being a member of your racial group that they must know?