“Cornel West – Race Matters” documents a number of integral aspects of sociology. Critical reflection questions that arise from this analysis have been identified as part of the report. The following research will be presented for several key areas of literature. “Race Matter” will be summarized, followed by a connection between scholarly literature and readings through ‘Let Nobody Turns Us Around”. Finally, the Answers to essay questions in this piece will be defined in terms of relevance to core sociological principles.
Summary
Americans are discussed in terms of their obsessions as well as the way that market culture has changed sexuality myths and tenants. The ability for music and other aspects of pop culture to define race and ethnic relations is studied in addition to historically significant events (West 119). Different mythologies of black culture were illustrated in addition to underdevelopment in numerous contexts. The struggles of black survival as well as communication within the African American community are emphasized (West 125). Since the way that sexuality is present in sociopolitical situations represents numerous aspects of dominance in society. Issues of gender difference as well as cultural crises are defined throughout this paradigm. Chapter 8 of the text focuses on Malcom X and the human suffering experienced by African Americans. The historical and social significance of his movement is defined throughout the context of destiny and colonization (West 138).
The Black Nationalist agenda is suggested because of the fundamental ways that the intellectual and organizational aspects of creation have propelled development. Supremacy as expressed by white populations are further elements in the struggle that are explored. As there are constructions of society that are able to counteract political leadership, the black movement is contextualized according to these core areas and agendas (West 144).
Reading and Link to Questions
‘Let Nobody Turn Us Around’ demonstrates core aspects of historical events as well as transformation throughout the global economy. The start of the slave trade as well as other production changes is defined in terms of their resettling and development in key areas. The way that realities in slavery were addressed as well as the social order at large demonstrates the key origins that surrounded labor and mechanics of management. The African American responses to oppression has characterized numerous aspects of this ethnic group’ history and cultural identity. Destruction as well as routinely malicious intent in terms of medical services is some of the atrocities that are defined (Marable & Leith 4).
Survival in the black community is defined as well as the methods of involving community through universally recognized operations. Allowing boundaries to change through the Civil War and consecutive methods of operation were some of the transformational periods throughout slavery. What was further influential in this process was the exchange of social and cultural values that led to the development and establishment of key methods for occupation and operations (Marable & Leith 5).
Answer Essay Questions
Critical Reflection Question: Both authors bring up the fundamental aspects of oppression experienced by African Americans. How did the tragedy suffered by an entire group establish a comprehensive identity amongst blacks?
There are several ways that cultural identity has been established based on oppression. Because of the long lasting implications of slave trade, there are elements of music and entertainment that black Americans have retained. The traditional blues, gospel and similar genres of soul music have propagated a highly influential series of cultural transformations in future decades. During the periods of slavery within this country historians have found that slavery not only limited the development of African American cultural identity but made it difficult for cultural acceptance after the Civil War. The abuse suffered throughout this period spurred transformation in many areas including through a greater understanding of white Supremacy that affected the decision making of African American leaders considerably. The key understanding of political and legislative action during this transformation was revealing towards future relations between the two ethnic groups.
Overall there are a number of standards that have defined this process throughout the literature (Roopnarine & Ziarat 20).
Some theories suggest that cultural trauma and slavery has been at the crux of the African American identity formation process. Other theorists suggest that historical conflict and roots extended deeply into the contemporary experiences (Rosenblatt & Beverly 25).
Ultimately these are key principles that must be addressed because of the long term implications of this ethnic heritage. Suffering and slavery itself may have left a complex mark on the way that cultures exist and operate when referencing that period (Rosenblatt & Beverly 27). There are multiple ways that oppression has changed the African American cultural identity on a whole. Therefore it is important that there are more effective efforts in order to understand roots as well as the process of cultural assimilation at large. Historically as well as through legislative decisions it is clear that numerous aspects of cultural change that took place over the course of significant events. The cultural transformation away from suffering is best characterized by the cumulative effects of positive cultural changes and shifts within transnational identity.
Works Cited
Marable, Manning, and Leith Mullings. Let nobody turn us around: Voices of resistance, reform, and renewal. Rowman & Littlefield, 2003.
Roopnarine, Jaipaul L., and Ziarat Hossain. "African American and African Caribbean fathers." Handbook of father involvement: Multidisciplinary perspectives (2013): 223-43.
Rosenblatt, Paul C., and Beverly R. Wallace. African American grief. Routledge, 2013.
West, Cornel. Race matters. Vintage, 1993.
