Please select the entire exam below and cut and paste it into a WORD document. Answer 5 questions below and then email me the file at sheena.malhotra@csun.edu. Good luck! Sheena.

YOUR NAME:

GENDER, RACE, CLASS, SEXUALITY – EXAM
SHEENA MALHOTRA

The purpose of these essays is to demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively about the topics, themes, and issues covered in this course. In order to do this, it is expected that you will apply and integrate material and texts addressed in class. Evaluation of your answers will be based on specificity & depth of your response and analysis, the use of relevant course materials, as well as clarity & organization of the essay. Each question is worth 5 points. Try and use different authors in each of your answer. Each question should reference at least 2 readings. Try and integrate the videos we have watched as well wherever possible. In Section 3 try and focus on issues you have NOT tackled in previous questions (i.e. in terms of gender, race, class & sexuality).

Important Note: Please answer ONLY TWO questions in each section. Email me your exam at sheena.malhotra@csun.edu

SECTION I
1 . In “La Prieta”, Gloria Anzaldua writes, “You say my name is ambivalence? Think of me as Shiva, a many armed and legged body with one foot on brown soil, one on white, one in straight society, one in the gay world, the man’s world, the women’s, one limb in the literary world, another in the working class, the socialist, and the occult worlds. A sort of spider woman hanging by one thin strand of web. Who, me, confused? Ambivalent. Not so. Only your labels split me.” (Anzaldua, 1981/1983, p.205). Discuss this quote and its implications. In particular, how does its challenge to the binary move the forward feminist discussions of gender, race, class and sexuality?

2. Audre Lorde argues that even though none of us really embody the mythical norm, all of us are impacted by it. What is the mythical norm, according to Audre Lorde? And how do you see it working in our society and in your life.

3. Many of the authors we read on the issue of the “War on Terror” were arguing that there were racial dimensions to the US reactions to 9/11 and to the bombing of Afghanistan and the War in Iraq. Draw on two authors and present their arguments on this subject and then give your well-reasoned analysis of their arguments.

SECTION II
4 . There are two main theories dealing with sexuality. Foucault’s says “… sexuality is not a natural feature or fact of human life but a constructed category of experience which has historical, social and cultural, rather than biological, origins” (p.12). The other common theory is that sexuality is biological rather than constructed. Explain first what is meant by the different theories (for example, give examples of how sexuality could be affected historically, socially and culturally). Which theory do you agree with and why? Is it possible that it could even be both?

5. Arundathi Roy makes connections between the Big Dam Projects, the development of the Nuclear Bomb by India and the privatizing of national public resources in Dam/age and in her writings. Tease out those connections in light of her quote in the video about “who counts and who doesn’t.” How do these issues relate to her critiques of US government actions post 9/11. Do you agree/disagree? Connect to Walter Mosley piece.

6. In this class, we have read texts by different women of color who critique whiteness and who have argued that they are tired of educating white people. Draw on two specific authors and summarize their critiques of whiteness. Finally, outline the advantages and difficulties of white feminists acting on this critique (refer to Peggy McIntosh’s article). Draw on "Color of Fear" in your discussion.

SECTION III
7 . What is the myth of meritocracy in the US? How does it function to maintain class divisions? Using two authors we have read, provide an analysis of class and late capitalism in our present times.

8. Two bumper stickers that may be worth deconstructing in the context of this class are:
“No one is free when others are oppressed” and “Be the change you want to see in the world”
Choose 2 writers we have read who make both these arguments, perhaps in different contexts and explain your understanding and reaction to their points.