Race Matters

Deconstructing race and identity.

Gender
Who's Afraid of Pink Toenails?

Kira Hudson Banks Ph.D. on April 20, 2011

When it comes to gender identity, rather than locate the problem within an individual or act, perhaps the entity getting diagnosed should be the society that clings to its rigid conceptualizations.

When it comes to gender identity, rather than locate the problem within an individual or act, perhaps the entity getting diagnosed should be the society that clings to its rigid conceptualizations.

Race and Ethnicity
Race-Conscious Admissions Policy Upheld: Right on Time

Kira Hudson Banks Ph.D. on January 22, 2011

Since Grutter v. Bollinger, the academic field has been intentional about documenting benefits of diversity. The recent ruling, which was upheld in appeals court, provides continued support for the general notion that race matters.

Since Grutter v. Bollinger, the academic field has been intentional about documenting benefits of diversity. The recent ruling, which was upheld in appeals court, provides continued support for the general notion that race matters.

Race and Ethnicity
Picking Sides Won't Solve the Problem

Kira Hudson Banks Ph.D. on November 1, 2010

When it comes to racial matter, we are like a traumatized child, dissociating at pivotal moments in U.S. history, enacting those injured selves simultaneously as we attempt to interact. The current colorblind rhetoric does little to help us make sense of our selves or to help us move forward.

When it comes to racial matter, we are like a traumatized child, dissociating at pivotal moments in U.S. history, enacting those injured selves simultaneously as we attempt to interact. The current colorblind rhetoric does little to help us make sense of our selves or to help us move forward.

Anger
No Throwing Babies!

Kira Hudson Banks Ph.D. on September 29, 2010

A string of recent news stories have been fodder for those who cannot tolerate ambiguity in relation to race. Often in our country people are criticized for being too sensitive about the topic and making something out of nothing. Yet those ambiguous events matter, and perceptions matter. It is not only unfair but also dismissive to push an issue aside simply because it does not land clearly in one camp or another in our own thinking.

A string of recent news stories have been fodder for those who cannot tolerate ambiguity in relation to race. Often in our country people are criticized for being too sensitive about the topic and making something out of nothing. Yet those ambiguous events matter, and perceptions matter. It is not only unfair but also dismissive to push an issue aside simply because it does not land clearly in one camp or another in our own thinking.

Bias
Dr. Laura’s Rhetoric More Offensive Than Her Words

Kira Hudson Banks Ph.D. on August 13, 2010

Cultural competence is not only a key aspect of psychology, but it is becoming a necessity for navigating our increasingly diverse society. Knowing our blind spots is key when it comes to sensitive topics such as race. And Dr. Laura appears to have some baggage to process before she is quick to invalidate another person's experience of racial discrimination.

Cultural competence is not only a key aspect of psychology, but it is becoming a necessity for navigating our increasingly diverse society. Knowing our blind spots is key when it comes to sensitive topics such as race. And Dr. Laura appears to have some baggage to process before she is quick to invalidate another person's experience of racial discrimination.

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