CC

anth 102

  • Introduction to Migration Themes

    • Connection to "Land of Open Graves" text focused on immigration.
    • Notice of an immigration town hall hosted by the Latinx Club, Latinx Studies, and Peace and Justice Studies.

  • Event Details

    • Questions can be submitted via a QR code.
    • Dean of Students, Jerry Price, and faculty will be attending.
    • Free pizza will be provided.

  • Importance of Immigration Knowledge

    • Opportunity for students, particularly international students or green card holders, to learn about immigration rights and protections.
    • Emphasis on rapidly changing immigration policies and community protection.
    • Encouragement to be informed as students of anthropology to understand experts’ perspectives on the topic.

  • Extra Credit Opportunity

    • Students can attend the town hall for extra credit.
    • Requires writing a 400-word essay incorporating class concepts relevant to immigration policy.
    • Link provided for further instructions.

  • Miscellaneous Updates

    • Reminder that office hours will continue on Wednesday with optional Zoom meetings on Friday.
    • Personal anecdotes shared about the instructor’s recent travel and current health.
    • Light interaction about pets during Zoom office hours to create a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Papers and Assignments

    • Instructor expresses enthusiasm for reading student ethnographies.
    • Importance of descriptive writing in ethnographic projects (senses and experiences).
    • Reminder to review paper instructions thoroughly before submission.

  • Transgender Day of Visibility

    • Acknowledgment of the day’s significance and encouragement to support transgender and nonbinary individuals.

  • Film Discussion and Historical Context

    • An older film will be watched focusing on historical narratives and immigration.
    • Discussion about the founding fathers’ contradictory ideas on liberty versus the system of slavery.
    • Examination of social class stratification and eventual racial classification in colonial times.

  • Racial Dynamics in Early America

    • Shift from viewing laborers as indentured servants to establishing a white class and black class.
    • The emergence of racial identity among lower class Europeans and their complicity through perceived social status enhancements.

  • Jefferson’s Perspectives on Race

    • Insights from Jefferson's writings regarding the nature of Indigenous peoples and cultural versus innate differences.
    • Discussion on the civilization policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans and racial perceptions of Native savagery versus European civility.

  • Cherokee Nation

    • Overview of the Cherokee's adaptation to American societal norms and their initial successes under the civilization policy.
    • The tragedy of forced removal (Trail of Tears) and its impact on cultural identity.

  • Manifest Destiny and Imperialism

    • Popular ideological beliefs in American superiority led to conflicts and wars for expansion (e.g., the Mexican-American War).
    • Use of racial science to rationalize imperialistic actions and domestic policies impacting Indigenous and enslaved people.

  • Scientific Racism and Preservation of Racial Hierarchy

    • Description of how scientific studies were misused to categorize races and support claims of superiority.
    • Promotion of racist ideologies in scientific discourse and legislation (Dred Scott case) that dehumanized individuals of African descent.

  • Cultural Representations and Racial Ideologies

    • Discussion on representations at world fairs and popular culture events that depicted the 'civilization' of Indigenous peoples.
    • Reflection on the complex relationship between race and nationalism, emphasizing who is considered part of American identity.

  • Conclusions and Reflections

    • The legacy of race in America intertwines with historical events, democratic ideals, and cultural narratives.
    • Prompt for students to critically assess scientific contributions to societal beliefs about race and the lasting implications still present today.