Chapter 1 requires a thorough undertaking, but understandably, so do all diversity arenas (gender, sexuality, etc.). Consider the material covered throughout this chapter and ask yourself, "What is the harm of one notion of superiority or inferiority?". Are there any significant consequences to ignoring other stories? Can we benefit from hearing all stories? The Ted Talk, The Danger of Single Story, discusses these issues. The narratives offered to us are (often) written by authors from which they benefit. But this isn't necessarily true of audiences.

Objectives

• 1.1 Explain how people are placed in groups.
• 1.2 Explain the social construction of race.
• 1.3 Describe how sociology helps us understand race and ethnicity.
• 1.4 Explain how subordinate groups are created.
• 1.5 Summarize the consequences of subordinate-group status.
• 1.6 Describe how resistance and change occur in racial and ethnic relations.

Getting Started

Start by answering the following questions and respond to two (2x) other students. Again, be sure to review theDiscussion Guidelines before completing the assignment and responding to peers. Remember, a minimum of three (3x) posts are required [one (1) initial post by Wednesday and two (2) peer replies by Saturday] are required to earn any credit.

Prompt

1. Is there any harm in hearing one continuous story about any group? Yes or no? Explain your answer.
2. Ms. Adichie comments on "Africa" while on a flight; what is her comment?
3. Describe the differences between African countries and the African continent; discuss the tendencies to label them similarly. Explain the harm in this notion.
4. What comment does Ms. Adichie make about the book American Psycho?
5. Ultimately, Ms. Adichie encourages audiences to participate in their narratives, and to be authors of their own stories. How do you accomplish this task?
6. What is the importance of your own story?
7. How does it contribute to the existing story of people like you?
8. How is it different? Explain your answer.
9. In your opinion, how may The Danger of a Single Story help you better understand our course, Ethnic Relations?
10. Which sociological theory to her argument is best applicable to her argument and why? Provide supporting evidence.

Ted Talk, The Danger of a Single Story