Choose two of the following topics and write a 750-word response to each. Each topic has been
written to refer to a particular week of the course. You do not need to confine your answers to that week. If another
concept helps you answer a concept with greater alignment to your intuitions, and more depth and clarity
then you should appeal to that concept.
- The film has many instances of Baldwin arguing forcefully that white-American culture has set itself
barriers
to seeing the problem of institutional racism and brutality as truthfully as black-American citizens
experience it.
How might the content from the first week’s lecture help explain and elaborate Baldwin’s point (you might
want
to refer to Simon Critchley's article, 'On Certainty; The Lessons of Aushwitz').
- Baldwin is adamant that cultural mores of consumer happiness wash over the harsh reality of U.S. race
relations. People believe that as long as they can have a house, white-picket fence, and the latest kitchen
gadgets they are happy. How might a utilitarian elaborate, or critique Baldwin’s point. - How might the concept of empathy or respect, as we discussed them in this subject, have bearing on
the arguments of the film?
- In a poignant moment of the film, Bobby Kennedy is asked to accompany a young black girl to a school
where she will face harsh harrasment from racist students who do not want her to study with them. He
responds that it would be a “meaningless moral gesture”. How might the ideas of virtue theory help to
critique Kennedy’s response.
- The film has many powerful comments about looking into peoples faces. Baldwin contends that as white
citizens don’t see the face of black citizens they have “become moral mosters”. How might the ideas of
Levinas, elaborated in week 5 help unpack some of these powerful scenes.
Sample Solution