Recommended Media for Further Study
Books
In God's Presence: Conquering Addiction through Dance by Dr. Elizabeth Delancy (Sep 18, 2008)
available on Amazon.com (search Elizabeth Delancy) or click on title for link to Amazon
Brief Description/Review: A historical examination of founder/director Alexia Jones' use of Christian-based dance as a treatment for substance addiction through the Beracha Dance Institute. This book features work that originated in Dr. Delancy's dissertation which analyzed how Jones' integrative process intuitively drew on the similar techniques and methodologies of clinical dance therapy and those of faith-based dance ministries. Jones' work combined the transformative and restorative properties of both of these applications of dance. In addition, Jones' work, and the sources it drew on, echo the healing dance rituals that have been used in traditional societies throughout the ages. Consequently, an historical analysis of her work necessitates looking at the foundations of, and analogies between, the clinically therapeutic application of dance and the spiritually therapeutic application of dance, as well as their historical precedents.
available on Amazon.com (search Elizabeth Delancy) or click on title for link to Amazon
Brief Description/Review: A historical examination of founder/director Alexia Jones' use of Christian-based dance as a treatment for substance addiction through the Beracha Dance Institute. This book features work that originated in Dr. Delancy's dissertation which analyzed how Jones' integrative process intuitively drew on the similar techniques and methodologies of clinical dance therapy and those of faith-based dance ministries. Jones' work combined the transformative and restorative properties of both of these applications of dance. In addition, Jones' work, and the sources it drew on, echo the healing dance rituals that have been used in traditional societies throughout the ages. Consequently, an historical analysis of her work necessitates looking at the foundations of, and analogies between, the clinically therapeutic application of dance and the spiritually therapeutic application of dance, as well as their historical precedents.
Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism & Racial Inequality in Contemporary America (3rd Ed.)
Author: Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Race and Racism in a Historical and Contemporary Context
Brief Description/Review: This book is an academic presentation of research about color-blind racism which makes it a dense but worthwhile read. To my excitement owned the second edition but had to purchase the third edition as well because the author provides commentary and research findings on how many Americans feel the Obama election signifies "a post-racial era" however "racial trends over the last forty years" suggest otherwise. What I found refreshing is that the author publishes his research questionnaire in its entirety; they are many charts and tables to easily track trends and aggregate responses, and most of all excerpts are also included from individual respondents that bring the data to life. Description written by Lysa Monique Jenkins-Hayden
Author: Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Race and Racism in a Historical and Contemporary Context
Brief Description/Review: This book is an academic presentation of research about color-blind racism which makes it a dense but worthwhile read. To my excitement owned the second edition but had to purchase the third edition as well because the author provides commentary and research findings on how many Americans feel the Obama election signifies "a post-racial era" however "racial trends over the last forty years" suggest otherwise. What I found refreshing is that the author publishes his research questionnaire in its entirety; they are many charts and tables to easily track trends and aggregate responses, and most of all excerpts are also included from individual respondents that bring the data to life. Description written by Lysa Monique Jenkins-Hayden
Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America
Author: Tanner Colby
Brief Description/Review: This book was eye opening because it from the advantaged perspective of a white male and detailed his attempt to discover how the racial lines in America were set and how they are still maintained in modern society. From his advantaged perspective he was able to discover that which might have been harder for those not white or male. Tanner Colby details personal narratives, including his own, of the "Children of White Flight" and "Children of the Dream" . His nod to Martin Luther King's "dream" and vision for race in America was held as a measuring stick for post-civil rights trends concerning race in America. As a teacher and presenter on race relations I found this book to be consistent with academic research related to Racial Identity Development (particularly White Racial Identity) and Racial Microagression scholarly research. Description written by Lysa Monique Jenkins-Hayden
Author: Tanner Colby
Brief Description/Review: This book was eye opening because it from the advantaged perspective of a white male and detailed his attempt to discover how the racial lines in America were set and how they are still maintained in modern society. From his advantaged perspective he was able to discover that which might have been harder for those not white or male. Tanner Colby details personal narratives, including his own, of the "Children of White Flight" and "Children of the Dream" . His nod to Martin Luther King's "dream" and vision for race in America was held as a measuring stick for post-civil rights trends concerning race in America. As a teacher and presenter on race relations I found this book to be consistent with academic research related to Racial Identity Development (particularly White Racial Identity) and Racial Microagression scholarly research. Description written by Lysa Monique Jenkins-Hayden
Brown: The Last Discovery of America
Author: Richard Rodriguez (2002) Viking
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category:
Brief Description/Review: "Confusion" might not be what readers are looking for when trying to make sense out of race and ethnicity. But "Brown," for the most part, is an optimistic, often romantic collection of essays that reflects what's already happening in America: A significant number of Americans define themselves as Hispanic, which, Rodriguez points out, is not a race. Description is an excerpt from an on-line review, read the full review and see a clip of the author at http://www.salon.com/2002/04/27/rodriguez_6/.
Author: Richard Rodriguez (2002) Viking
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category:
Brief Description/Review: "Confusion" might not be what readers are looking for when trying to make sense out of race and ethnicity. But "Brown," for the most part, is an optimistic, often romantic collection of essays that reflects what's already happening in America: A significant number of Americans define themselves as Hispanic, which, Rodriguez points out, is not a race. Description is an excerpt from an on-line review, read the full review and see a clip of the author at http://www.salon.com/2002/04/27/rodriguez_6/.
Footprints on the Land: American stories about race
Author: Helen H. Helfer
Brief Description/Review: Author Helen Helfer, interviewed 52 people, Black, White, Native American, Filipino, Chinese and Latino, ranging in age from 19-82, about their experience with race in the U.S.
Author: Helen H. Helfer
Brief Description/Review: Author Helen Helfer, interviewed 52 people, Black, White, Native American, Filipino, Chinese and Latino, ranging in age from 19-82, about their experience with race in the U.S.
B. Popular Films / Documentaries
Imitation of Life
(1959) Film (Actors) Lana Turner; Sandra Dee (Director) Douglas Sirk
(1934) Film (Actors) Claudette Colbert, Warren William and Rochelle Hudson (Director) John M. Stahl.
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: White/Black American Experience, Race and Class Struggles
Brief Description/Review: When they first meet, Lora Meredith and Annie Johnson have a good deal in common. They are both single mothers struggling to make a life for themselves and their daughters, Susie and Sarah Jane. Lora is an aspiring model and actress who needs someone to look after Susie when she goes out on photo shoots or casting calls. Annie is an African-American who desperately wants to healthy home environment in which to raise her daughter. Each woman has an intolerable daughter; Susie because of her upper-class status, Sarah Jane because of American racism, she doesn't like being black; since she's light-skinned (her father was practically white), she attempts to “pass” as white, much to her mother's heartache and shame. Lora, meanwhile, virtually ignores her own daughter in a single-minded quest for stardom and a upper class living. On-line Description Written by alfiehitchie.
(1959) Film (Actors) Lana Turner; Sandra Dee (Director) Douglas Sirk
(1934) Film (Actors) Claudette Colbert, Warren William and Rochelle Hudson (Director) John M. Stahl.
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: White/Black American Experience, Race and Class Struggles
Brief Description/Review: When they first meet, Lora Meredith and Annie Johnson have a good deal in common. They are both single mothers struggling to make a life for themselves and their daughters, Susie and Sarah Jane. Lora is an aspiring model and actress who needs someone to look after Susie when she goes out on photo shoots or casting calls. Annie is an African-American who desperately wants to healthy home environment in which to raise her daughter. Each woman has an intolerable daughter; Susie because of her upper-class status, Sarah Jane because of American racism, she doesn't like being black; since she's light-skinned (her father was practically white), she attempts to “pass” as white, much to her mother's heartache and shame. Lora, meanwhile, virtually ignores her own daughter in a single-minded quest for stardom and a upper class living. On-line Description Written by alfiehitchie.
Spanlish (2004)
Directed & Written by James L. Brooks
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Mexican Immigrant Experience; Dynamics between First Generation/Native Born Experience; Ethnicity, Culture, and Class Clashing
Brief Description/Review: A beautiful woman emigrates from Mexico to LA and becomes the housekeeper for the affluent, yet troubled, Clasky family. The result is a wittily perceptive collision of cultures and values, and a refreshingly honest look at such life-altering commitments as marriage, parenting and devotion to family. Written by [email protected]
Directed & Written by James L. Brooks
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Mexican Immigrant Experience; Dynamics between First Generation/Native Born Experience; Ethnicity, Culture, and Class Clashing
Brief Description/Review: A beautiful woman emigrates from Mexico to LA and becomes the housekeeper for the affluent, yet troubled, Clasky family. The result is a wittily perceptive collision of cultures and values, and a refreshingly honest look at such life-altering commitments as marriage, parenting and devotion to family. Written by [email protected]
Something New (2006)
Director: Sanaa Hamri / Writer: Kriss Turner
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: White/Black American Experience, Black Upper Class Culture, Cross-Cultural Romance
Brief Description/Review: Successful African-American CPA, working her way to the top of the corporate ladder -- urged on by her friends to try something new and to let go of her dream of the "ideal black man," Brian who is white. An intelligent romantic comedy that chooses to deal with issues of race and perception in a straight-forward way, from a point of view not often seen: that of a successful, upper-class black woman. Written by jennkepka
Director: Sanaa Hamri / Writer: Kriss Turner
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: White/Black American Experience, Black Upper Class Culture, Cross-Cultural Romance
Brief Description/Review: Successful African-American CPA, working her way to the top of the corporate ladder -- urged on by her friends to try something new and to let go of her dream of the "ideal black man," Brian who is white. An intelligent romantic comedy that chooses to deal with issues of race and perception in a straight-forward way, from a point of view not often seen: that of a successful, upper-class black woman. Written by jennkepka
ElCantante
Directors: Leon Ichaso / Writers: L. Ichaso/D. DarmstaederCast: Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Dynamics between American Born/Native Born Puerto Ricans
Brief Description/Review: EL CANTANTE celebrates the life and music of the legendary Puerto Rican salsa singer Hector Lavoe. He redefined Latin music in the 1960s and 1970s. But Hector's decision to pursue the dream of singing in NY causes a profound rift his father (who is steeped in Puerto Rican tradition and pride), a rejection that will haunt Hector in the years the years to come. EL CANTANTE portrays an era when a new sense of national identity and pride took root in Puerto Rican communities across the U.S. As Lavoe, Marc Anthony mines the contradictory essence of a gifted man who could express anything with his music, but channeled his inner turmoil into a host of self-destructive behaviors. Anthony's intensity and honesty is matched by his wife, Puchi (Jennifer Lopez). This film captures the complex dynamics of a relationship between two bright, funny and flawed human beings who loved, battled and forgave one another for twenty years. Description is a condensed version of a review, full review can be found on http://con-sabor-a.freeservers.com/latinenternews.html
Directors: Leon Ichaso / Writers: L. Ichaso/D. DarmstaederCast: Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: Dynamics between American Born/Native Born Puerto Ricans
Brief Description/Review: EL CANTANTE celebrates the life and music of the legendary Puerto Rican salsa singer Hector Lavoe. He redefined Latin music in the 1960s and 1970s. But Hector's decision to pursue the dream of singing in NY causes a profound rift his father (who is steeped in Puerto Rican tradition and pride), a rejection that will haunt Hector in the years the years to come. EL CANTANTE portrays an era when a new sense of national identity and pride took root in Puerto Rican communities across the U.S. As Lavoe, Marc Anthony mines the contradictory essence of a gifted man who could express anything with his music, but channeled his inner turmoil into a host of self-destructive behaviors. Anthony's intensity and honesty is matched by his wife, Puchi (Jennifer Lopez). This film captures the complex dynamics of a relationship between two bright, funny and flawed human beings who loved, battled and forgave one another for twenty years. Description is a condensed version of a review, full review can be found on http://con-sabor-a.freeservers.com/latinenternews.html
C. Television Mini-Series
Roots (1977)
Directors: Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: American Slavery, African-Americans History, Civil War Class and Race Struggles
Brief Description/Review: A saga of African-American life, based on Alex Haley's paternal family history. Kunta Kinte is abducted from his African village, sold into slavery, and taken to America. He makes several escape attempts until he is finally caught and maimed. He marries Bell, his plantation's cook, and they have a daughter, Kizzy, who is eventually sold away from them. Kizzy has a son by her new master, and the boy grows up to become Chicken George, a legendary cock fighter who leads his family into freedom. Throughout the series, the family observes notable events in U.S. history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings, and emancipation. Online Description Written by Eric Sorensen
Directors: Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: American Slavery, African-Americans History, Civil War Class and Race Struggles
Brief Description/Review: A saga of African-American life, based on Alex Haley's paternal family history. Kunta Kinte is abducted from his African village, sold into slavery, and taken to America. He makes several escape attempts until he is finally caught and maimed. He marries Bell, his plantation's cook, and they have a daughter, Kizzy, who is eventually sold away from them. Kizzy has a son by her new master, and the boy grows up to become Chicken George, a legendary cock fighter who leads his family into freedom. Throughout the series, the family observes notable events in U.S. history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings, and emancipation. Online Description Written by Eric Sorensen
Queen
Directors: John Erman
Lead Actress: Halle Berry
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: American Slavery, African-Americans History, Civil War Class and Race Struggles
Brief Description/Review: Alex Haley's Queen tells the life story of a young woman and it shows the problems which biracial slaves and former slaves faced in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout her life, Queen struggles to fit into the two cultures of her heritage, and at times each side shuns her. Description is an excerpt from Wikipedia, read full description at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Haley's_Queen.
Directors: John Erman
Lead Actress: Halle Berry
Recommended for Cultural Relevance/Category: American Slavery, African-Americans History, Civil War Class and Race Struggles
Brief Description/Review: Alex Haley's Queen tells the life story of a young woman and it shows the problems which biracial slaves and former slaves faced in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout her life, Queen struggles to fit into the two cultures of her heritage, and at times each side shuns her. Description is an excerpt from Wikipedia, read full description at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Haley's_Queen.