4.3 Civil Rights/Contemporary Race Relations Discussion Board (GRADED DISCUSSION)
Civil Rights/Contemporary Race Relations Discussion Board Assignment
Assignment Overview:
This discussion board assignment invites you to engage critically with two foundational texts in the American civil rights movement: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letters From the Birmingham City Jail” and the documentary *I Am Not Your Negro* featuring the words of James Baldwin. Your task is to compare and contrast the ideas presented in these works and connect them to contemporary race relations in the United States.
Instructions:
Part 1: Comparative Analysis
1. Compare and Contrast:
– Read Letters From the Birmingham City Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
– Watch the documentary I Am Not Your Negro, which features the words and ideas of James Baldwin.
– Write a 2-3 paragraph analysis that compares and contrasts the key themes, arguments, and rhetorical strategies used by King and Baldwin.
– Consider their perspectives on racial inequality, the role of activism, and their visions for the future of America.
Part 2: Contemporary Relevance
2. Contemporary Race Relations:
In 2-3 paragraphs, reflect on what the insights from Kings letter and Baldwins commentary can tell us about contemporary race relations in the United States. Discuss how the issues they addressed in the 1950s and 1960s persist today, and whether you see any progress or setbacks in the struggle for racial equality. Please include information from The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee that addresses some of the ways in which racism imposes a cost to all of us. You can find information about the book on the following sites:
- ‘Sum Of Us’ Examines The Hidden Cost Of Racism For Everyone on “Fresh Air”:
- The Sum of Us Tallies the Cost of Racism for Everyone in the New York Times:
If you need some help getting started, you might want to explore any of the following topics in your analysis:
– The degree to which racial inequality has been ingrained in television, movies, music, etc., and the resulting effects.
– The role of the white moderate who is apathetic and/or ignorant of racial inequality.
– How or why white Americans need racial injustice and how this ultimately affects both Black and white Americans.
– The tradeoff between freedom and oppression.
– The legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial injustice both in the 1950s and today.
– Various tactics used in the struggle for civil rights.
Part 3: Peer Responses
3. Engage with Your Peers:
– After posting your initial analysis, you are required to reply to at least two of your classmates posts.
– Engage thoughtfully by providing feedback, asking questions, or offering additional insights.
– Prioritize responding to posts with fewer replies to ensure a diverse and inclusive discussion.
Source Material:
– I Am Not Your Negro documentary. Available on Netflix and elsewhere. Also available on Grossmont College’s Kanopy site: ().
– Letters From the Birmingham City Jail by Martin Luther King Jr. (Available in Chapter 4, American Government Examined Reader).
– Chapters 3 and 4 of your Open to Debate e-text.
– Any other references of your choice related to contemporary race relations.
Tips for Success:
– Direct References: Make sure to directly reference the assigned materials in your post. Use quotes and specific examples to support your analysis.
– Offline Preparation: Compose your discussion post in an offline text editor to avoid losing your work and to organize your thoughts more effectively.
– Peer Responses: When replying to your peers, provide meaningful feedback that contributes to the conversation. Consider whether your reasoning aligns with theirs and whether you can offer any additional resources or perspectives.
Recommended Length:
– Initial post: 4-6 paragraphs.
– Peer responses: 1-2 paragraphs each.
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