Assignment details: This past year has demonstrated that our country is in the midst of a watershed moment in dealing with its long history of racial inequality and systemic racism that has been tightly interwoven throughout the fabric of our society. The discipline of anthropology has long been front-and-center in debates surrounding these issues. This essay is an opportunity to critically reflect on the value of anthropological insights in helping to understand the current crisis our country is dealing with. Simply put, I am asking you to answer this question: How does anthropology help us to critically “unpack” the contemporary issues surrounding race, racism, and the systemic inequalities that have led to all of the unrest we are witnessing today? You will have latitude on which aspects you are most personally interested in critically exploring. This is not, however, a personal “reflection” essay. It is an anthropological analysis of the issues. As such, while this assignment may evoke strong emotions and/or opinions, it should be written in an objective, analytical style. Do not, for instance, use a 1st person narrative voice (no “I”, “we”, etc.), nor should you apply your personal opinions or judgements. Remain objective (remember the key anthropological approach of cultural relativism). Examples of anthropological themes that may be important to you could include: the historical construction of “race” in America; how race is not a valid biological category of classifying humans; the history of anthropology’s approach to race; anthropological approaches to understanding systemic racism; racism, politics and power through an anthropological lens; implicit bias and racism in America; cognitive approaches within anthropology to understanding race and the construction of the “other”; or race, identity and the debate over the value of multiculturalism. If you are thinking about another theme, please contact me for approval. Keep in mind, however, that they should be relevant and applicable to some aspect of what we have been witnessing recently. The essay will require that you research and apply anthropological insights as you explore your chosen theme as it applies to the current crises. You will be required to find and cite at least three (3) academic sources from anthropologists. One source can be a required reading for the course. The other two must be from other anthropological sources such as peer reviewed articles or other anthropological books. Websites are not acceptable sources. If you are uncertain if a source will meet this requirement, please contact me for approval! If referring to current events or news, you will need to include citations to reputable, objective news reports.