Intersectionality: For this paper, I would like you to draw on the theories of race, gender, sexuality and intersectionality to analyze the social construction of identities in the contemporary US. You will need to choose a case study which highlights the intersection of the social construction of different identities. You may use as many theories/theorists as are relevant to your topic. Examples of possible cases might be: the case of Trayvon Martin, whose race and masculinity has become the topic of widespread social critique; the case of Caster Semenya, the South African runner whose eligibility to participate in the 2009 World Championship was called into question on the basis of ambiguous sexual categorization (but whose racial identity was also discussed in the debate); the debate about whether or not the University of California should ask students their sexual orientation as a basis for affirmative action, etc. In each of these cases, the social construction of gender, sex, sexuality, race or ethnicity (and their interrelationship) is being made explicit. You may choose one of these cases, or find another example from popular culture, which would allow you to explore the complexities of the theories covered this section.

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