Read/Watch and Respond #4 Read Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Respond to the following: 1. How does the author describe/discuss structural racism? 2. Why does the author no longer want to discuss racism with white people? 3. Why is ‘seeing race’ so important in today’s world? Watch the video What is Microagression? Respond to the following: 1. How does the professor describe microagression? Give an example he provides in the video. 2. How does it impact people who are recipients of microagression? 3. What can be done to address microagression? Your Take 1. Is structural (or institutional) racism a real thing and do you see it in your day-to-day life? 2. Have you experienced or practiced microagression? Do you think it’s a problem or just a fact of life? Anita Badu Answers #3 Read HERS: Cultural Baggage by Barbara Ehrenreich Respond to the following: 1. What, if any, cultural baggage does the author carry with her? She defines herself as having no cultural baggage. She comes from a family from mixed ancestry, which pragmatically avoided following one or another religious our cultural practice, to prevent tensions and disputes. Pragmatism and ecumenism are the favored norm in culturally diverse families. It happens more regularly in countries with a high percentage of immigration during its formation period. 2. What did she eventually discover about her heritage and the impact to her life? In her essay, Barbara Ehrenreich (1992) describes a thought travel through the past of her family, discovering that her family tree is deep rooted in the British islands. Irish, Scotts, Welsh, and Brits are part of her ancestry. However, her family did not follow any of their tradition. Despite of having a huge cultural heritage, her family searched for new traditions. She felt betrayed, uprooted, and fake because her family emptied her cultural luggage. But after a brief reflection, she discovered that having an empty luggage means that she can fill it during the journey. 3. How does this perspective differ from the cultural baggage of other groups? Their position is open and non-judgmental. They accept the differences, explore the new experiences, and finally adopt what they like the most. This open-minded, pragmatic approach has an almost scientific rigor. Because of migration, most countries are losing the rigidity of their traditions. Watch the video I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype Respond to the following: 1. How did Canwen Xu distance herself from the Asian stereotype? She tried to look more American than Chinese by modifying her activities and personality to match the American stereotype. She started degrading her own race and pretending to hate math, which worked. By rejecting her Chinese identity, she became more similar to her peers and their American identities, which made her more popular. Whiteness was the norm for her. She became Americanized, conforming to the norm that stereotyped her Asian identity. 2. What was the cost to her personally? She lost parts of herself she never could recover. In the process of Americanization, she demeaned her Chinese heritage. Unconsciously, she thought about herself as white. She did not realize that she was alienating herself from who she was and how she looked like. She had wiped out her Chinese persona to give her American self the ruling role. 3. How are Asian Americans used to justify racism in America? According to Xu (2016), Asian Americans are the overachievers, the model minority. They are hard workers and successful. Hence, their success is used to show that people of color do not suffer discrimination because they only need hard work to succeed. By considering Asian American the norm, the rest of the minorities look like a bunch of lazy people without ambitions. Your Take 1. Is cultural baggage necessary or helpful? I think that it is both good and bad. Good, because it gives the person roots to support his or her. Cultural baggage involves a community of people sharing the same culture or connected by the same religion. It is a supporting network distributed everywhere. On the other hand, it can be bad because it prevents people from having adaptability when the occasion raises the need, or acceptance of diversity. 2. At what point does someone need to drop some of their baggage and pick up new ways of being? I do not think there is a fixed point when you need to drop part of your baggage because dropping it is part of human adaptability. People will drop the part of the baggage that hinder their progress in life and pick up new ways that will help them succeed.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.