Video: On Post Racial Literature

[Ms. Knarr]

www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/21327

Watch the film/read the transcript

Post-racial means literature that is no longer labeled as "African American" art or "Chinese American" art. Just American art.

[trevorsocarras]

I think the overall meaning of this video was to advocate for Post- Racial literature. I think that Rita makes valid points in her argument towards how people view art. I agree with her and I strongly believe that art should be rated based only on its form and not on a race or the culture of the artist. Yes, race and cultural background can be portrayed in certain types of art, but I think classifying art into specific racial or cultural segments is wrong and is un-American. I liked the fact that Rita mentioned President Obama's election and I do believe that it was a big step to help our country reach racial equality. I think that Post-Racial literature should be stressed more because this is an issue that can change the opinion of many Americans and how they view the fine arts of our country.

I personally liked the video. I agree with Rita and believe that post-racial literature is something to be achieved. I liked the examples Rita used when she spoke. I liked the connection Rita made to how people may judge others due to differences in lifestyles. For example, she described how white and black women do their hair and products they use. I think that America is the best country in the world because it allows one to speak his or her mind. Then again I think America has a lot of work to do when it comes to fighting against prejudice and discrimination. I think if people try to look at each other more as equals then with small baby steps we can end hatred and separation.

1. What can you predict about our country's views towards post-racial literature?
2. Do you believe that people in other countries have the freedom to express their opinion on a subject like Rita did in this video?
3. What is the significance of Rita's examples in her video?
4. How does racial and cultural equality relate to post-racial literature and what Rita was saying in her video?

[connorjmckeon]

1. I think the video's message is that we are en route to a post-racial literature, but not there yet. Rita's main point for why we aren't there yet is that we don't fully understand other cultures and ways of life. There are things that other cultures do that we typically don't do or understand. Rita's example with hair is perfect for her argument. When we read something about doing one's hair in the morning, we assume washing, brushing, blow-drying, etc. What Rita is saying, however, is that for a black woman, it is different. She says that we must accommodate these differences to achieve a post-racial literature.

2. I disagree with this video. Although many people are working for this equality in literature, I'm not sure that all of these authors want a post-racial literature. Many black, and other minority, authors are proud of their roots and want to keep ties with them in literature, rather than conform into just "American Literature". I don't think we will achieve a post-racial literature for a very long time, if ever.

3. Answer Trevor's second question: I don't think other countries face issues like this because in most countries, with the exception of Israel and some African countries, the people are of the same culture. We, however, are a mix of so many cultures that we result to differentiating ourselves. As for the countries who are part of the exception, the different cultures hate each other and do not want to be unified. I think we are alone in this subject.

[seanpalen]

1. I agree with what Connor said. The video is trying to point out that we are on our way to post-racial literature but we are not there yet. Rita goes on to say that we are different and there are things that other cultures would not understand about each other. Rita goes on to cite how she washes her hair for instance as something a white girl would not understand. She says that if we can get over and understand our differences we can move to post-racial literature.

2. Personally I do not see that many differences culturally between the races. I think there are some differences like Rita said but I do not see any major differences based on race. People today in my mind are not separated by race as they used to be and share the same experiences. I have many friends from other races and I do not have many differences from them beyond the physical. Race does not make us different our experiences do and today all races experience many of the same things unlike the times of the black arts movement and early African American literature. Then races were separated now they are together and all the races can relate to one another. I believe we are very close to post-racial literature if not there already.

3. Trevor's First Question- I predict our country will embrace post-racial literature as a refreshing new look on writing.
My Question- Do you think we are already seeing post-racial literature?

[matpolanco]

I do not really agree with this. Besides being a different race, African -American is a whole other culture. I fell like yes we are all American, But we are calling it African American for that reason. African American artists shouldn't be worrying about the label that is put on their work because it simply doesn't matter. African American Culture is a lot different, not in a bad way, but we all can see the difference. Culture is Art. Art is part of culture so if it is different culture we should classify it as different art. I think African Americans should take ownership of this and be proud of what they are not of what they aren't.
I liked how we are trying to fight for equality in our art, but I don't think it is necessary. It's the label that makes it special and i think African- American Artists should own their culture and make the best of it.
Sean's Question: I think we are seeing a little bit of post-racial literature. but i think it is a shame because this art is losing its identity and what makes it so special and different.
My Question: Is post-racial literature unnecessary?

[karlpreisner]

1.I agree with Connor and Sean. We are "en route" to post-racial literature. More and more people are learning all of the little things that would otherwise need to be explained in a different race's story.
2. I disagree. Post-racial literature should not be achieved. American is commonly known as 'The Melting Pot.' American brings together all different races and ethnic backgrounds to share with one another. Not intending to unify them.
3. To answer Trevor's 4th question. The examples in the video help aid the viewer's understanding of the differences between racial literature and post-racial literature.
Q:Do you think the majority of African Americans would prefer post-racial literature? Do whites have a different view on that?

[mikeriga]

1.) I agree with Mat on this one guys. Black writers should not be concerned about having their works of literature be considered post-racial, because it takes away from the work. When you read a poem for example that is found under African American art, it is then easier to understand what the author is talking about or what he/she is going through. Having their works of art being found under the category of African American, is not in any form racist or making them unequal than other races. It gives the audience an idea of what the story is about, because then they now know the culture behind the work. Currently, every race has different cultures and knowing of them can only help understand a story. Post-racial literature is not as interesting. I want to know the differences in how one does her hair; it gives me greater insight of the story and author. We are all equal, but our cultures are still different and that is a great thing.

2.) My opinion of this video is that it's complete garbage. Post-racial literature sounds great, but it only takes away from the piece of work. Rita Dove is so wrong when she says that the reader should just assume some details pertaining to race. God made us different for reasons, he did it so we can see the beauty in everyone of us and how he is present in all of our differences. If post-racial literature was achieved it would be a sad thing because beautiful writing would be lost, the meaning and the culture behind art would be gone. Rita Dove should notice that what she has currently is a beautiful thing, but when it's gone there is no value in her writings anymore.

3.) To answer Karl: Sadly, I believe they would because they feel like if they are considered post-racial they are valued equally, when it's really the opposite. Work being labeled as Chinese American or African American does not in any way, shape, or form belittle the value of the art. It only puts it in a category that it belongs, and all these categories should go under one big one that says "American." I believe that whites really don't care, because it doesn't affect them.

4.) Why do you think Post-Racial would be better?