Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to express your opinion on various topics that involve the concept of race and reflect on how some of the topics in this class might apply to your life. This is also an excellent opportunity to practice your writing skills.

Prompts

Please respond to one of the following prompts: 

1. How do you racially and/or ethnically categorize yourself (using what term or terms), and why? (Additional questions to answer, if you need additional writing ideas: has the term you used to describe your race changed over time? Are there connotations in popular culture—good or bad—with the term you chose? What other descriptors do you use to describe yourself that intersect with the category of race that might affect how others view and treat you?)
2. America is often described as a "melting pot." Do you think assimilation of new immigrants is good and necessary, or can it have negative consequences? Explain. (Feel free to consider this issue from the viewpoint of the immigrants, the viewpoint of the country, or both.)
3. Polls now suggest that a majority of Americans support inter-racial marriage. What are your thoughts on inter-racial marriage or inter-racial relationships?