Thugs, Jezebels, and Contemporary Politics

Catalog description

In the months prior to the 2016 presidential election, race relations in the United States were propelled into the American public consciousness with great force, although race has continually exerted an omnipresent influence on contemporary politics. Beginning with Clarence Thomas’s 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, this course will survey how discourse on black femininity, masculinity, sexuality, and class has impacted American politics from 1991 to the present. Topics for consideration include welfare reform, reproductive justice, mass incarceration, backlash to Barack Obama’s presidency, and white nationalist support for Donald Trump. Readings will also consider how black activists, lawyers, journalists, and politicians have responded to and resisted racism and sexism in contemporary politics. Fulfills a Social Thought & Institutions requirement for the Africana Studies major (Geographic region: North America). Fulfills a requirement in the History and Geneaologies track of the Gender & Sexuality Studies major and minor. Satisfies the Historical Thought requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.