Week 2

 “Who am I” 

        It was very interesting to learn that when asked in a classroom exercise to complete the sentence "I am _____" many don't mention their color, gender, religion and sexuality if it was a dominant social characteristic. This is accurate for me because when I am introducing myself to others I mention being originally from Mexico but I don't mention for example being heterosexual. I learned that it can be a pattern in us because we take dominant characteristics for granted most of the time. I learned from the author that when I may feel impatient with others for not recognizing their privilege, I need to rather reflect on my own daily advantages and privileges that I have in this society.

“Unpacking the Knapsack of Privilege” 

        I was surprised as I read the article, it open my eyes to the idea of how some men do not believe themselves as being privileged or are not willing to accept that fact, but yet they do grant that women are disadvantaged. Also how men talk about such issues but they do not take any actions to solve them. Men's privileges is one example of the how unjust someone can be without noticing it, and how they can  put others are at a disadvantage. The major example that we see in the article is the privilege that white people have. Most don't grow up thinking that they are at an advantage, don't know how to recognize it, and are often unconscious about it. We must try to really reflect on our privileges when it comes to age advantage, ethnic advantage, physical ability, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, etc. My goal is to be aware of all of the "unearned entitlements" that I have and the question that I hope we could think about daily is the same that she asks herself, "What can I do to lessen or end it?" 

“Is Race Real”
        Colorblindness will not end racism. Pretending race doesn't exist is not the same as creating equality. Race is more than stereotypes and individual prejudice, to combat racism, we need to identify and remedy social policies that advantage some groups at the expense of others.
        Before coming to college I would identify as a person who thought colorblindness was the best solution to solving racial problems. I wanted to avoid discussions that I was not prepared to have or know how to respond and be in an uncomfortable situations.  Now I believe that embracing ones ethnicity and culture is important, all cultures are important and bring something to the table. I think that being part of a latino fellowship that is part of big umbrella with different ethnic chapters on campus and taking classes like this one has help me come together with others to have discussion, bring awareness and hope to see change in the social policies.