Unit IV - Blog III

After last night's Common presentation, I'm still hype.  So, I contemplated how to combine what he spoke on with our last unit.  We've discussed Black Lives Matter, Starbucks, Mass Incarceration, the Prison Industrial Complex, Oscar Grant, Jordan Davis and others.  We've watched The 13th and Fruitvale Station.  Both offer suggestions on how to proceed, but how can we identify our role in greatness within and external to us?  Further, I'd like to ask: how will you proceed?  What type of action is it time for from you?  What can you do to (re)construct the narrative of black folks in the media, and how can this impact into our everyday lives?

Due: During class on Fri., 4/27/18 only.

Unit III - Blog II/Spring 2018

The above images are from various films we've both viewed & discussed during Unit III.
From Bulletproof Love to (re)imagined female representations, we've engaged in some thought provoking class discussions.   These films (re)present platforms as sites of resistance.  Black women serve as generals in an all-female Army & Black women are beautiful enough to wear Italian designer clothing while supporting one of their own through a difficult break-up; a Black man evokes a (re)imagined happening which we can all dream of - a bulletproof Black man.  What about the music?  I can close my eyes and hear the drum beat and the chant from "Pray for Me by Weeknd and K."  And, finally, Eric Killmonger commands intellectual respect as he 'corrects' a white woman about African history.  Each of these moments signifies the fire in the spirit of our ancestors - the fire.  Do you think the fire this time is here?  If so, how?  Which film from our discussions supports your position, and why?  Please be specific, and provide examples from both the film and our class.

Spring 2018 - Unit I/Blog I

 


By now, we've discussed, or rather unpacked definitions and examples of images.  We've applied these definitions to two films along with clips of the well-known Rodney King and Latasha Harlins incidents.  In each of these, we observed how black bodies are objectified, and literally destroyed.  Using our black spectatorship, we've been able to see an alternate 'truth' which contradicts what the media portrays.  What examples can you name which perpetuate one of the stereotypes we've discussed, and what image counters this in today's media?

Please remember to refer to the blog rubric when answering.

Due: Wed., 2/7/18 by the beginning of class.

Fall 2017 Unit IV - The Modern Invisible (wo)Man

Through our candid discourse, we have interrogated the (wo)Men of this unit as well as their "unspoken" or perhaps "invisible" roles in racial theories and discourses of today. We've gone from discussing "felon," to acknowledging the humanity in these individuals.  We've also unpacked upcoming black superheroes and their Afrocentricity in the upcoming film, Black Panther.  Finally, we're ending our dialogue with recognizing the three Black Queer women who founded the BLM organization.  Perhaps they've made us aware of perspectives that we likely hadn't previously considered.  While I'm still interested in what has resonated with you the most, I'd also like to know how has this Unit enlightened you?  Has it changed you?  Do you see progression for these invisible wo(Men)?  Please share.  And, thank you for a thought provoking semester.  It has truly been a pleasure!

Due: Thurs., 11/30/17 by 9pm.