Day 2 Theme: Locating ourselves and racial identity formation

Day 2 Theme: Locating ourselves and racial identity formation

European and White American colonizers have long relied on the Western model of science to validate their designation of other peoples as biologically inferior—even less human, in some cases—in order to justify the taking of those people’s labor, land and other resources. However, as the three-minute Vox video linked below explains, far from being fixed biological traits, racial classifications change over time to advance the economic and political aims of those in power.

Given the subjective nature of the concept of race, we invite you to reflect on the different stages of racial identity development. You may find it helpful to consult the appropriate Racial-Ethnic Identity Development worksheets from Sandra Chapman (link below) and watch some of the videos from The New York Times (below) on racial identity in America.

Reflect & Respond:

How do you think about your own racial identity and its relevance to your life, work, studies and/or volunteerism?