RACE: Are We So Different? Blog Post *Extra Credit*

After viewing the RACE: Are We So Different? exhibit at RMSC, please share your response(s) to what you viewed/experienced.

TONI MORRISON THEME 5--E-RACE-ING THE BLACK FEMALE BODY:

Examine one of the following themes relating to the Black female body in Beloved or Sula:

• Sexuality
• Femininity
• Scarring
• Dismemberment

TONI MORRISON THEME 4--E-RACE-ING THE BLACK MALE BODY:

Examine one of the following themes relating to the Black male body in Beloved or Sula:

• Imprisonment
• Self-inflicted harm
• Sexuality
• Masculinity

TONI MORRISON THEME 3--OUTLAWS, OUTCASTS AND PARIAHS:

Both Morrison novels have characters who are not a part of the acceptable community. Using Beloved or Sula, identify the role your selected character has with the “decent” or “normal” community. What do we learn about the character through his/her actions? In other words, why is s/he labeled as an outlaw, outcast or pariah. Consider how the town’s response affects the character. Make sure you begin your text by identifying the character(s) and provide evidence that illustrates the topic focus.

TONI MORRISON THEME 2--MOTHER (MAMA, MA’AM) Knows Best:

In Sula and Beloved, we learn about mothers through their relationships with their children. How are the relationships central to each mother’s identity? What do we learn through the Mothers’ interactions with their children?

·         In Beloved, examine the Mother/Daughter relationships (select ONE):

• Sethe/Beloved; 
• Sethe/Denver; 
• Sethe/Ma’am; 
• Sethe/Baby Suggs 

OR the Mother/Son relationships:

• Sethe/Howard or Buglar;
• Baby Suggs/Halle.

·         In Sula, examine the Mother/Daughter relationships (select ONE):

• Nel/Helene; 
• Eva/Hannah; 
• Sula/Hannah

Mother/Son relationships:

• Eva/Plum

TONI MORRISON THEME 1-- COMMUNITY (UNITED WE STAND; DIVIDED WE FALL):

In Sula and Beloved, the community members are central to the plot. Comment on the ways that the community works with and/or against the main characters. Consider why the community responds in the way that it does. What is ultimately revealed about the plot through the actions of the townsfolk?

Toni Morrison Themes Posting Guidelines

Greetings Good People,

You must comment on TWO of the FIVE thematic options that are found on this page. Final comments are due by Friday, Mar. 15 at 11:59 p.m. The topics offered for discussion are:

• "Community (United We Stand; Divided We Fall)", 
• "Mother (Mama, Ma'am)Knows Best?", 
• "Outlaws, Outcasts and Pariahs", 
•  "E-Race-ing the Black Female Body"and 
• "E-Race-ing the Black Male Body."

Directions:

Click on the link for the topic(s) you have chosen to respond to.

Scroll to the bottom of the post and you will see a comment box.

Select the account you will be using to post. If you don't have a GOOGLE account, select NAME/ID

Write your comment in the appropriate box. 

When you are finished writing your comment, select "publish" and it will post to the blog. You can also "reply" to any comments that are offered.

Student User Comments

Greetings Good People,

Please note that when you post, please do not select "Anonymous." Use "Name/URL" and just type your name. It will appear along with your comments. Please email me if you have any questions.

Take good care,
Dr. Arlette Miller Smith
Professor Tokeya C. Graham