“Students will critically examine the social and emotional effects of racism on academic, occupational, cultural and relational well-being of African-American males. Students will discuss relevant readings, media analysis, community-based research, and self-reflection. Students will also examine and develop strategies to restore a healthy definition of African-American manhood and its significance for self, family, and community relationships; culminating in a community restoration initiative proposal.”
8. Will students in “Effective Interactions with African-American Males” critically examine split infinitives?
9. Will the “relevant readings” in this course include articles by Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, and John McWhorter?
10. How much class time will be spent on self-reflection?
11. Does today’s college student really need to spend more time thinking about himself?
12. Does self-reflection ever lead to self-absorption? Does it ever lead to greater social consciousness, or concern for others?
13. Has there not already been enough talk about African American males’ “manhood”? Isn’t most of it stereotypical?
14. What would happen if you talked to a member of the Crips or the Bloods about “self,” “family,” and “community relationships”? Do you think he might pop a cap in your ass? Do you think he might make you his girlfriend?
15. How do I learn more about this “community restoration initiative proposal”? Will it be submitted to a community organizer?
16. And, finally, why were copies of your new course description sent to the Upperman African American Cultural Center? How can we have effective interactions with you when you continue to segregate yourselves from us?
I once believed the diversity crowd when it claimed an interest in bringing blacks and whites together for more meaningful interaction. Now I see them as specious and downright deceptive. I almost detect a colored quality in their statements.