Race and Ability
Write a 4 to 6 page reflection on the readings / course content from the following two units: Race and Ability
answering the following question:
How can you take the NEW knowledge and information that you learned and integrate it into various aspects of your professional (present or future
professional life) and / or personal life?
You can take your discussion in whatever direction is most meaningful for you. However, you need to center your discussion on the new information that you
learned. I’m not asking you to reflect on general information that you already know – but rather what are new ideas, knowledge, and complex realities that
you were introduced to through in the various readings, and how can you meaningfully integrate this new information / concepts / knowledge in your
professional and personal life?
In your reflection you should discuss both of the following units:
Race
Ability
Your reflection should be rooted in the course content. Include MANY specific examples and details from various readings in your reflection. Your analysis /
discussion should be rooted in specific (paraphrased and cited) information from our text. Use simple intext citations (p. 342). Please avoid quotations –
rather paraphrase the information in your own words. Note: You may not resubmit any previously submitted work – i.e. copy and pasting information from the
Bb discussions into your reflection.
Sample Solution
The course content from the Race and Ability units has greatly increased my understanding of the complexity of race and ability. I have been exposed to perspectives which have broadened my own knowledge on issues like racial prejudice, privilege, intersectionality, and disability. This new knowledge can be applied to various aspects of both professional and personal life.
In terms of professional life, this new information can help inform decisions related to workplace policies that are more inclusive of people with different identities. For example, I now understand how certain practices – such as hiring or promotion procedures – may unintentionally favor one group over another due to implicit biases (Walker et al., 2017). With this knowledge in mind it is possible for organizations to create systems that recognize these potential biases and work towards becoming more equitable workplaces.
This newfound understanding can also shape how I interact with others in a more conscious way by being mindful of power dynamics related to identity-based experiences (Fink & Montesanti 2020). Learning about privilege theory has allowed me to gain insight into how racism operates within society at large which will help me recognize when oppressive behaviors might occur even if they are not overtly expressed– such as microaggressions – so that effective action can then be taken.
On a personal level, this course content has helped me become better equipped for navigating difficult conversations around race or ability with confidence while ensuring that all parties involved feel respected throughout the process (Williams et al., 2018). Additionally having an increased awareness on the social implications associated with ability has enabled me to become a stronger ally for those who experience disability in their daily lives through advocating for greater accessibility options amongst other measures.
