Introspection and Reflection Questions
What views does Marty hold about the connections of the past to the present? Why do the residents of Altgeld Gardens disagree with Marty? What might account for their differences in perspective? What do you believe about the relationship of the past to the present? What experiences or observations inform your position?
- On page 203-204, Obama writes about “the distance between our talk and our action” and analyzes how that distance manifested itself in both white and black communities during President Reagan’s administration in the 1980s. What do you think about Obama’s analysis? Does his statement still hold true for the twenty-first century? Reflect on your own experiences as well as significant cultural and historical events of the first decade of the twenty-first century. Write a journal entry that records your reflections.
Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, or Research Projects
Imagine that you have been asked to create a multimedia presentation for a national conference on environmental racism and environmental justice. First consider the introduction to Chapter 9 (pages 164-166) in which Obama describes the toxic environmental conditions at Altgeld Gardens. Then research the definition of environmental racism, paying careful attention to the solutions presented by movements for environmental justice. Create a multimedia presentation that describes the environmental hazards that Obama found at Altgeld Gardens and propose solutions based on your research.
- At the end of Chapter 10 (pages 205-206), Obama and Ruby attend a play with an all-female cast. Obama describes the cast as, “a chorus of many shades and shapes, mahogany and cream, round and slender, young and not so young, stretching their limbs across the stage” (p. 205). Ruby and Obama are both clearly moved by this performance.
In presenting this scene, Obama references ongoing intellectual and creative examinations of racial identity; he is specifically concerned here with African American cultural transformation—especially artistic contributions of African-American women.
Consider the issues that this chapter raises on racial identity formation and cultural transformation. Then research a specific issue that draws your attention. Your goal is to contribute to the scholarship on racial identity formation and cultural transformation. Use the research on your specific issue to draw connections to Chapter 10 and write a scholarly essay that closely examines each of the connections that you find.
Useful Links for Further Research
Environmental Justice
http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/environmentaljustice/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ej2.htm
Racial Identity
http://www.spelman.edu/administration/office/signing/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4627755