Writing Across Cultures

  In Chapters 1-3, Kendi narrates his parents' early relationship in 1970s New York, where they were both students and Black liberationists. After they married and settled down into their respective careers, however, they became assimilationists, meaning they believed Black people could and should integrate into White society and prove themselves equal through hard work and impeccable moral conduct. Kendi introduces W.E.B. Du Bois' idea of the dueling (or double) consciousness, in which Black people are torn between feeling racial pride and feeling the need to conform, to be accepted by White people. Kendi notes that the concept of race was invented by the biographer of Portuguese prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century as a means of legitimizing the earliest iteration of the slave trade. In Chapters 4-5, Kendi outlines some of the most common forms of racism, their origins, their effects, and his experiences with them. He begins with biological racism, the belief that

Let's start with some advice about revising and strengthening a draft. We'll take a look at fiction, non-fiction (essay), and poetry. As we watch, reflect on your own pieces and take these writers' nuggets of wisdom to heart. After all, the adage "Writing is rewriting..." is a true one. After viewing, choose 1 statement from the 20 listed below and let's discuss what you think. How might you apply this wisdom to your current draft, the workshop, or your writing process? After your workshop, please submit your second (or third or fourth) draft here for credit. Your second (or subsequent) draft should LOOK different (and read better!) for full credit. Along with your draft, please write a short explanation as to what part(s) of your writing you are satisfied with--or not satisfied with--and whether or not you want to or plan to continue working on this piece. Your final working drafts will be collected for your writing portfolio (due at the end of the marking