Option A: Race and Identity
Historian Robin Kelley stated, "Race was never just a matter of how you look, it's about how people assign meaning to how you look" (Herbes-Sommers, 2003). Considering what you learned from the Social Implications of Race video clip and your own experiences, answer the following questions:
What do you think is meant by the term racial smog?
How do racial categories shape our identities and social status?
Option B: Language, Status, and Identity
Anthropologists believe that language sends messages about who we are, where we come from, and with whom we associate. Based on the readings, explain how language can determine status. Using section 4.8 of the textbook, provide specific examples that illustrate and support your point of view.