Race and Identity: Keypoints in Notes for Sociology Assignment

This assignment focuses on Kevin Young's "Blacker Than Thou," exploring the complexities of race and identity through the lens of cultural perceptions. The student's notes highlight how societal views, as illustrated in Steve Martin's sketch, have shaped the perception of blacks by whites, and vice versa. The assignment discusses the concept of "blackness" beyond skin color, examining how cultural factors influence identity, and criticizes the notion of "becoming" black. The student analyzes Young's arguments, including the impact of cultural phenomena like "Blackish" and the presidency of Obama, and the implications of individuals like Rachel Dolezal. The assignment underscores the argument that blackness is more than just skin deep, and that it is a state of existence, not simply a matter of appearance.

Running head: KEYPOINTS IN NOTES
KEYPOINTS IN NOTES
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1
KEYPOINTS IN NOTES
Drawing the references from Steve Martin’s sketch on The Jerk Young shows how
the discriminating lines between the blacks and whites have been prominent through the
perspective of whites towards them. However, the blacks who really feel black refrain from
maintaining the equality. Some blacks exist with certain not “black factor” and do not do
stereotypical black things highlighting the effect of culture but neglecting the skin color1. He
makes fun of being black to be “an internship” by mentioning shows like “Blackish”2.
Racism is nothing compared to a feeling rather it is imposed state of thoughts. The “look
black” people are somehow managing to remove the tag of blacks from them. The condition
of Dolezal is mentioned for how the whites can also be mocked. Certain whites try to become
black while the opposite also happens. Blackness is showed not to be subject to remember.
This does not exhibit a similar kind of behavior of a particular community. The white people
dressing up as black are also critiqued for the change they undergo is not permanent.
Blackness is nothing but a state of existence and more than a shade of skin. Highlighting the
fact, it becomes arguable whether the wishing of Rachel to disappear completely so she chose
to be black is supportable or not3. Even an abusive childhood and interest in making black
pictures can make him become a black and the presidency of Obama can intrigue one to be
black since it is nothing wrong rather more fun being black.
1 Young, Kevin. "Blacker Than Thou." The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About
Race (2016): 101-116.
2 Young, Kevin. "Blacker Than Thou." The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About
Race (2016): 101-116.
3 Young, Kevin. "Blacker Than Thou." The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About
Race (2016): 101-116.

2
KEYPOINTS IN NOTES

3
KEYPOINTS IN NOTES
References
Young, Kevin. "Blacker Than Thou." The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About
Race (2016): 101-116.