Question 1

While only 25% of white households possess absolutely no net financial assets, what percentage of African American households are in a similar pinch?

Accepted Answer

A)   21%
B)   31%
C)   41%
D)   51%
E)   61% E

Question 2

Discuss the interplay between phenotype, ancestry, and the social and historical contexts of race in the United States. Include your own family's experience as an example where appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The interplay between phenotype, ancestry, and the social and historical contexts of race in the United States is complex and multifaceted. Phenotype, or the physical characteristics of an individual, is often used as a basis for categorizing people into racial groups. However, this classification is not always accurate or representative of an individual's true ancestry. Ancestry, on the other hand, refers to a person's genetic heritage and can provide a more accurate understanding of their racial background.

In the United States, the social and historical contexts of race have played a significant role in shaping the experiences of individuals and communities. The country's history of slavery, segregation, and discrimination has created a deeply entrenched system of racial inequality that continues to impact people today. This social and historical context has influenced how race is perceived, experienced, and treated within American society.

When considering my own family's experience, I can see how phenotype, ancestry, and the social and historical contexts of race have intersected. My family has a diverse range of physical appearances, from light to dark skin, which has led to different experiences of racial identity. Additionally, our ancestry spans multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the complexity of our heritage. In the social and historical context of race in the United States, my family has faced discrimination and prejudice based on our perceived race, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on our lives.

Ultimately, the interplay between phenotype, ancestry, and the social and historical contexts of race in the United States is deeply intertwined and continues to shape the experiences of individuals and communities. It is important to recognize and understand these complexities in order to address and dismantle the systems of inequality that perpetuate racial discrimination and injustice.

Question 3

Discuss the ways perceived physical differences, athletic ability, and IQ scores play into the concept of biological determinism. Provide concrete examples for each and don't forget to also define biological determinism within your answer.

Accepted Answer

Biological determinism is the belief that an individual's physical and mental traits are solely determined by their genetic makeup. This concept suggests that factors such as physical differences, athletic ability, and IQ scores are predetermined by one's biology, and cannot be significantly influenced by environmental or social factors.

Perceived physical differences play into the concept of biological determinism by reinforcing the idea that certain physical traits are inherently linked to specific abilities or characteristics. For example, the belief that individuals of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds are naturally more athletic or have a higher IQ due to their genetic makeup perpetuates the idea of biological determinism. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and discrimination based on physical appearance.

Athletic ability also contributes to the concept of biological determinism by suggesting that genetic factors play a predominant role in determining an individual's physical prowess. The belief that certain individuals are inherently more athletic based on their genetics ignores the impact of training, access to resources, and other environmental factors that can significantly influence athletic performance.

IQ scores are often used to support the concept of biological determinism by suggesting that intelligence is largely predetermined by genetics. However, this overlooks the significant impact of environmental factors such as access to education, socio-economic status, and cultural influences on cognitive development and performance on IQ tests.

In conclusion, biological determinism is a concept that asserts that an individual's physical and mental traits are largely predetermined by their genetic makeup. However, it is important to recognize the significant impact of environmental and social factors on perceived physical differences, athletic ability, and IQ scores, and to challenge the harmful implications of biological determinism in shaping our understanding of human potential.

Question 4

The idea that IQ was dictated by heredity came to prominence in America at the conclusion of World War I.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

The accruing afflictions or affluence of our mothers and fathers are visited upon us, sons and daughters.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Explain the concepts of white privilege, color-blindness, and white antiracists. What role does Charles Sumner and Bill Moore play when discussing these concepts?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concepts of white privilege, color-blindness,...

Question 7

A social and symbolic hierarchical system of classification and separation that organizes people into rigid groups characterized by inner-group marriage, heredity, lifestyle, and occupation is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

A)   monarchy.
B)   totalitarian system.
C)   feudal system.
D)   caste system.
E)   none of these

Question 8

Define the sociological imagination and provide "The Three R's"your textbook's authors feel are crucial to developing a keen sociological imagination. Provide one example for each of the three R's.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the sociological imagination and provide "The...

Question 9

Basketball is traditionally an accessible and inexpensive recreational activity for the inner-city poor.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Define and provide an example for each of the five fallacies regarding race. Which of the five do you feel you or your family have committed most often?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define and provide an example for each...

Question 11

Which of the following was a criticism from intellectuals following the publication of the book The Bell Curve in 1994?

Accepted Answer

A)   IQ cannot be extracted and measured as a single number
B)   IQ is genetically based and immutable
C)   the authors hid results which contradicted their central claims
D)   IQ differences cease to matter once social and historical facts are considered
E)   all of these

Question 12

Which of the following diseases does the textbook use as an example to show that racism is still prevalent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)   tuberculosis
B)   cancer
C)   polio
D)   measles
E)   smallpox

Question 13

The number of hate-crime incidents tallied by the FBI is probably an underestimate since this number is only for those incidents reported.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

In which of the following areas of everyday life does race play a part?

Accepted Answer

A)   it structures the inner workings of our prisons
B)   we witness its effects on our art
C)   our intimate relationships are influenced by race
D)   in the way we understand our own identities
E)   all of these

Question 15

What area do people who believe there are certain races that are naturally different than others often and usually point to as an example?

Accepted Answer

A)   money skills
B)   IQ
C)   potential for violence
D)   manual dexterity
E)   potential to apply scientific principles

Question 16

Provide an example of symbolic violence communicated through media against Americans of color.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide an example of symbolic violence communicated...

Question 17

The refusal to recognize race only exacerbates racial inequalities by rendering antiracist programs impossible.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

Discuss why U.S. naturalization rates differ from those of Canada. What consequences do you feel might occur in the future if these rates continue to differ?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why U.S. naturalization rates differ from...

Question 19

How many incidents of hate-crime did the FBI tally in 2004?

Accepted Answer

A)   1,649
B)   3,649
C)   7,649
D)   11,649
E)   24,649

Question 20

In the 1920s and 1930s, basketball was thought of as an African American game.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 1: Race in the Twenty-First Century

While only 25% of white households possess absolutely no net financial assets, what percentage of African American households are in a similar pinch?

Discuss the interplay between phenotype, ancestry, and the social and historical contexts of race in the United States. Include your own family's experience as an example where appropriate.

Discuss the ways perceived physical differences, athletic ability, and IQ scores play into the concept of biological determinism. Provide concrete examples for each and don't forget to also define biological determinism within your answer.

The idea that IQ was dictated by heredity came to prominence in America at the conclusion of World War I.

The accruing afflictions or affluence of our mothers and fathers are visited upon us, sons and daughters.

Explain the concepts of white privilege, color-blindness, and white antiracists. What role does Charles Sumner and Bill Moore play when discussing these concepts?

A social and symbolic hierarchical system of classification and separation that organizes people into rigid groups characterized by inner-group marriage, heredity, lifestyle, and occupation is referred to as a:

Define the sociological imagination and provide "The Three R's"your textbook's authors feel are crucial to developing a keen sociological imagination. Provide one example for each of the three R's.

Basketball is traditionally an accessible and inexpensive recreational activity for the inner-city poor.

Define and provide an example for each of the five fallacies regarding race. Which of the five do you feel you or your family have committed most often?

Which of the following was a criticism from intellectuals following the publication of the book The Bell Curve in 1994?

Which of the following diseases does the textbook use as an example to show that racism is still prevalent in the United States?

The number of hate-crime incidents tallied by the FBI is probably an underestimate since this number is only for those incidents reported.

In which of the following areas of everyday life does race play a part?

What area do people who believe there are certain races that are naturally different than others often and usually point to as an example?

Provide an example of symbolic violence communicated through media against Americans of color.

The refusal to recognize race only exacerbates racial inequalities by rendering antiracist programs impossible.

Discuss why U.S. naturalization rates differ from those of Canada. What consequences do you feel might occur in the future if these rates continue to differ?

How many incidents of hate-crime did the FBI tally in 2004?

In the 1920s and 1930s, basketball was thought of as an African American game.