class 9

Introduction to Hurston and Racial Identity

  • Reference to Hurston's Essay:

    • Title: "How Does It Feel to Be Colored Me"

    • Explores experience of racialization.

  • Background on Hurston:

    • Grew up in Hendersonville, the first incorporated town by freed slaves.

    • Lacked exposure to white society until she left at age 14.

    • Her upbringing and environment influenced her resulting racial consciousness.

Segregation and Race in Indianola

  • Characteristics of Indianola:

    • Described as a small town structured around race.

    • Geography reflects segregation, with clear divisions between white and black sections.

    • The railroad tracks symbolize the division in society.

    • Maintenance of racial lines is crucial for forming societal dynamics.

Lesseux and Field Work

  • Importance of Lesseux:

    • Chosen as an 'untouched society' for her research focus.

    • The village reflects a pre-modern lifestyle amidst impending modernization.

  • Fieldwork Themes:

    • Dominance of racial hierarchy stemming from historical slavery.

    • Detachment of races via colonial discourse; cultivated through anthropology.

Concept of Race

  • Race vs. Prejudice:

    • Not just dislike between groups but a systemic and evolutionary concept.

  • Racial Hierarchies:

    • Historical frameworks categorize societies as underdeveloped or developed.

    • Evolutionary narrative used to justify biases against certain groups.

Anthropological Framework

  • Role of Anthropology:

    • Desire to document societies before they are altered by colonial influences.

  • Assumptions of Anthropology:

    • Many societies perceived as destined to disappear unless recorded.

    • Research is often from a Eurocentric perspective that frames other cultures as inferior.

Modernization and Change

  • Impact of Modernization on African Americans:

    • Discussion of sharecropping and the shift towards mechanized agriculture.

    • Emergence of an educated younger generation valuing education, contrasting with previous generations.

  • Societal Dynamics Post-Slavery:

    • Continued struggle for identity and recognition of humanity among African American communities.

    • Importance of education discussed as a key asset for advancement.

Gender and Education

  • Gendered Experiences in Education:

    • Notably, African American women pursue education more fervently due to market dynamics.

    • Gender roles in labor affect educational pursuits and job opportunities.

  • Consequences of Educational Trends:

    • Disparities in job opportunities lead to differing educational paths between genders.

    • (Reference to the impact of contemporary political movements on young men's feelings of empowerment).

Conclusion and Reflection

  • Need for Reflection on Current Dynamics:

    • Relationships between race, education, and gender continue to evolve; current dynamics reflect historical inequalities.

    • Insight into early anthropological perspectives fosters understanding of modern society's constructs and inequities.