Journal #4: Kamau Bell "My Awkward Blackness"

In "My Awkward Blackness," Kamau Bell discusses his identity as a "Blerd" and an "Outsider."  He unravels his thoughts regarding the TV shows he watched as a child, and he questions assumptions about how racism is taught in schools (is it taught?) and the beliefs others hold about him because of his race (All black men listen to rap, right?)

How does Bell challenge or confront these assumptions? Find two quotes from the reading, and add them to your blog along with your own thoughts and comments on these quotes. What connections did you make as you read Bell's chapter? For example, when Bell writes about The Dukes of Hazzard, I found myself thinking back critically to the real messages behind this campy 70's TV show.  I watched this ALL the time as a kid, but what was I really watching? I had a serious "cringe" moment--not unlike the one Bell experiences in this chapter.

In what way did Bell make you think differently or allow you to challenge some of your own assumptions? If you made no connections at all to Bell, what do you think it is that he's trying to say in this chapter about himself?  About his race?  About his view of the world (and the world's view of him?)

What was "Awkward" or uncomfortable about reading and thinking about the ideas in this chapter?  How did you work through the discomfort?  Didn't feel awkward at all?  Take a look at Bell's interview with "Alt-Right" Leader Richard Spencer.  How does Spencer define "identity?"

Kamau Bell book interview on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.  

Are you #Woke or #Asleep?