EXWR 100-01: Basic Writing
17 September 1996

Paper 4: Race at Oberlin

In this paper I'd like for you to paint us a verbal picture of what you think the current state of race relations is at Oberlin College. There are a number of ways you might do this. Here are some suggestions, but feel free to try your own method if you have an idea not represented in the following list [in other words, pick one topic only from those listed below or choose another topic not listed below and okay it with me before writing]:

1. Describe a place on campus where one can see different races or ethnic groups interacting (or not interacting) in typical ways. Why is this place so typical-looking to you? Do you think other people fully realize how race and ethnicity affect how people act in this place? To what extent do you think the various groups involved are conscious that their actions are influenced by assumptions about race and ethnicity? How well do you think Oberlin College engages in what Cornel West calls "a serious discussion of race" (p.3 in Race Matters) in its own midst in places like the one you describe?

2. Describe a verbal exchange--a conversation or interaction in class or the dorm/coop or gym or 'Sco or dining hall, etc.--that you've witnessed that you find typical of race or ethnic relations at Oberlin. What was typical about it? After describing it and thinking about it more, to what extent do you think the participants were fully aware of how race and ethnicity were affecting their interaction? Do you see any evidence that Oberlin campus community members are developing the "new language of empathy and compassion" (p. 8 in Race Matters) that West thinks will be necessary for America's survival?

3. Compare something you've seen or heard at Oberlin to something you're familiar with in another place, for example how different races or ethnic groups interact in your home town and/or in a foreign country. How does this dual awareness of racial interactions affect your opinions of the role of race in the Oberlin community? How does it affect your ability to interact with other people, especially of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, at Oberlin? Do any of Cornel West's concepts, for example that of "racial reasoning" (described in chapter two of Race Matters), help explain what you see going on in either place?

4. Pick one of Cornel West's observations in Race Matters and apply it to something you've seen or heard at Oberlin. For example, how do you think various movements he mentions, such as Afro-centrism, affect the interaction of people on our campus? Or do you find the "spiritual impoverishment" (p.5) that West discusses at Oberlin today, and how does that affect relations between racial or ethnic groups? Or to what extent do you think Oberlin faces the kind of "nihilistic threat" (p.12 and following pages) to the existence of its ideals of racial equality that West describes? [Any one of these questions could be a whole paper by itself. Don't try to address more than one unless you think they are deeply related.]

5. Apply one of Cornel West's observations, as mentioned in the previous topic, to your home community or country.

6. Oberlin has a long history of leadership in the national American debate about racial equality. To what extent do you think Oberlin today lives up to its history of multiracial education? To answer this question, you might want to read more about Oberlin's history in the library (ask Monica or me more about how to do this, if you're unsure how to start). What do you think Oberlin's early advocates for multiracial education would think of our campus community today?

This paper should be at least 3-4 pages long, typed double spaced. It is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, September 24.