Using the Outline below, present quotes from each of the colorblind racism frames, and analyze them accordingly, in a minimum of six (6) pages. As your critical-thinking decision-making objective, you should decide whether the evidence you review in the paper
(a) demonstrates the typical colorblind pattern that Bonilla-Silva describes; or
(b) reveals a more progressive and/or minority pattern; or
(c) some combination of the above; or
(d) some other pattern not discussed in the textbook but worth exploring in future research.
You may find that the quotes you analyze deliberately challenge one of the four frames of colorblindness in some way, and you can note this in the paper as well. Each paper should consider the implications of the analysis of colorblindness for the future of a multiracial society. In other words, how do the representations discovered in your analysis help and/or hinder a society’s progress toward inclusive multiracial democracy?
Outline: Analyzing McFarland USA Using Colorblind Frameworks
I. Introduction
A. Definition of Colorblind Racism and the Theme of Your Chosen Movie
- Definition: Colorblind racism is the idea that we should ignore race and treat everyone equally, which can hide the reality of racial discrimination and inequality.
- Theme: “McFarland USA” is about a high school cross-country team in a mostly Latino town in California, focusing on hard work, cultural identity, and chasing the American Dream.
B. Importance of Understanding These Concepts in Movies
- Movies influence how we see racial issues. By analyzing “McFarland USA,” we can see if it challenges or supports colorblind ideas and what that means for viewers’ understanding of race and inequality.
II. Colorblind Racist Frameworks
A. Naturalization
1. Define It
- Definition: Naturalization suggests that racial differences and segregation are natural and just happen on their own, instead of being shaped by society.
2. Scene Example
- Scene: Town residents talk about how Latino people are naturally more suited for manual labor and farming work.
3. Why It Matters
- Impact: This idea justifies racial stereotypes and the social hierarchy, making it seem like people are in certain jobs because of their nature, not because of social issues.
B. Cultural Racism
1. Define It
- Definition: Cultural racism blames a group’s cultural values or practices for their social position, rather than looking at bigger social and historical factors.
2. Scene Example
- Scene: Coach White observes the Latino families and says their endurance and work ethic come from their cultural background.
3. Why It Matters
- Impact: This perspective can reinforce stereotypes and ignore the variety of experiences within a cultural group, leading to a narrow view of their successes and challenges.
C. Abstract Liberalism
1. Define It
- Definition: Abstract liberalism uses ideas like individual choice and equal opportunity to explain racial issues, but ignores the historical and systemic barriers people face.
2. Scene Example
- Scene: Coach White tells his athletes that hard work and personal responsibility are all they need to succeed.
3. Why It Matters
- Impact: This viewpoint ignores systemic issues, making it seem like success or failure is only about individual effort, not recognizing the broader context of racial and economic inequality.
D. Minimization of Racism
1. Define It
- Definition: Minimization of racism downplays the importance of racism, suggesting it’s not a big deal anymore and that any problems are due to other factors.
2. Scene Example
- Scene: The principal or other authority figures dismiss concerns about the team’s lack of resources, saying all schools face challenges and racism isn’t a factor.
3. Why It Matters
- Impact: This attitude stops efforts to address racial inequalities by denying that racism is still a significant issue, keeping things as they are.
III. Conclusion
A. Recap of Key Points
- Summarize the definitions and examples of the four colorblind frameworks (Naturalization, Cultural Racism, Abstract Liberalism, Minimization of Racism) seen in “McFarland USA.”
- Highlight why it’s important to recognize these frameworks in movies.
B. Call to Action for Addressing Colorblind Racism
- Encourage viewers to think critically about movies and identify colorblind ideas.
- Advocate for more diverse perspectives in media to give a more accurate view of racial issues.
C. Importance of Ongoing Dialogue and Education
- Emphasize the need for continuous learning and discussion about racism.
- Stress the role of movies and media in shaping public understanding and the importance of using them to promote social change.