December 6, 2010
Written by C.N.
Racial/Ethnic Relations in 2010: The Best & Worst
As we near the end of 2010, it’s fitting to review the major events, developments, and trends in U.S. racial/ethnic relations during the past year. Therefore, below is my look back at some of the positive highlights as well as the setbacks in terms of achieving racial/ethnic equality and justice, with a particular focus on Asian Americans (my area of expertise). This list is not meant to be an exhaustive review of all racial/ethnic news in 2010, but rather the ones that I covered in this blog and ones that I believe have the most sociological significance.
The Best
- Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, Their Fans, & Their City
Celebrating the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl victory and its larger significance for the city and its residents. - For a Change: Good News in Racial, Ethnic, & Immigration Relations
To counteract some of the bad news, there are several recent positive examples of racial, ethnic, and immigration news and relations. - Harmony and Community in Yosemite
An interaction in Yosemite shows how a pine cone can act as a powerful symbol of cross-racial and -national unity. - Asian Americans, Education, & More Signs of Inclusion
Several recent news articles related to Asian Americans point to more inclusion in higher education. - 2010 Election: Results for Asian American Candidates
A brief summary of how some Asian American candidates from both political parties fared in the 2010 midterm elections around the country.
The Worst
- Racial Contradictions in College Basketball
Examining the larger sociological context of Harvard University star basketball player Jeremy Lin’s success and the contradictions of racism in professional sports. - Vancouver Olympic Inclusiveness, Except for Asians
Taking a critical look at the racial, ethnic, and cultural inclusiveness of the Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony and the extent to which Asian Canadians were included. - Racial Incidents on Campus & The Failure of Colorblindness
Recent racial incidents on college campuses highlight the fallacies and failure of being colorblind. - White Backlash: Yes, It’s Real
Exploring the racial basis for the growing White backlash movement. - Immigration Reform: What Not To Do
A sociological response to George Will’s simplistic suggestion for immigration reform. - Updated List of White Backlash Examples
Recent news stories that highlight the anti-minority, anti-immigrant White backlash movement. - Arizona, Immigration Reform, and Where the Democratic Party Stands
Analyzing the larger context of Arizona’s controversial stance on illegal immigration and where the Democratic Party stands on it.