DanLin O.
When I first learned that the class theme was race and justice, I thought of typical readings and discussions of racism of African Americans. However, the class was more than that. I learned about racism of different cultures such as the Native Americans through the voice of Leonard Peltier. Prison Writings by Leonard Peltier was intriguing and a big eye opener. Coming from someone who experienced racism firsthand, Peltier did not criticize the American FBI agents with contempt, instead he remarked with reason, logic, and spirit. His words reach out to his readers. Not only do we sympathize for this man, we sympathize for all his people.
Peltier wasn’t the only person who made a strong argument. Tim Wise put into writing our thoughts of the stereotypical police officers who racially profile colored people for crimes. Facts and statistics support Wise’s argument. Paul Butler shows sympathy for the colored people being racially targeted for crime. Butler tells of hardships faced by colored people by quoting from famous hip hop artists. From all these and many other readings we have read, it is still difficult to say one definite thing about race and justice. Racism happens all over the world, including sexism and other prejudices. However, not everyone is a racist. The only thing that can be said is that the less fortunate is overpowered by the more fortunate.
Overall the course was enjoyable. I learned many different things about culture and justice. Butler’s essay made me analyze lyrics more intently. I try to understand the lyrics of songs more now than just moving my body to the music. Blogging was a more creative approach to writing journals which I greatly appreciate. I will be taking away with me better writing skills and oral skills from this course as well.
