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The model I found most interesting is the Cross model. It seems this model is one that other models commonly refer back to and see as one of the highly accepted models when it comes to racial and ethnic models. This model relates specifically to African-Americans, however in my descriptions I generalized the race so it could apply to any race or ethnicity. This specific model has four stages: pre-encounter, encounter, immersion/emersion, and internalization. Pre- encounter stage is the stage of unawareness. There is no distinction between any race or ethnicity, everyone is seen as equal. The encounter stage is the stage when awareness becomes present. The individual realizes they are of a different culture than someone else, and this is where the racial awareness comes to play, and even racial divide in some cases. The third stage is the immersion/emersion stage. This is where the individual becomes completely immersed in their culture, learning as much as they can about their race specific traditions, customs, and practices. Internalization stage happens when the specific individual becomes confident and secure in his or her identity. The cross model accurately depicts the general feelings and research involved in those who wish to identify with their race or ethnicity.

One article I found interesting that grasps the entire theme of the first chapter is called White Fatigue: Naming the Challenge in Moving from an Individual to a Systemic Understanding of Racism. This article discusses the need to address racial and ethnic differences, but the duty of those teachings can severely fatigue those learning (not limited to just white America in my opinion). There is a dire need to find a way to teach racial differences and acceptance without pushing racism or hatred and diversity. Many students end up feeling like a racist, or someone who negatively judges those of different color just due to the way the teaching is being presented (Flynn, pg 117). This issue brings to light exactly why we need classes like this one. We need a class that teaches multicultural differences as the focus, not discrimination. Teaching and educating the majority about minorities in a positive light would and will highly effect the way the majority are accepting the information. When it is spun in the direction of racism and negativity you get what the article calls "White Fatigue". I believe we have the power to change this thinking by approaching the education of race and ethnicities in classes such as these, where it makes differences acceptable, positive, and interesting.

Katelyn

References

Flynn, Joseph (2015). White Fatigue: Naming the Challenge in Moving from an Individual to a Systemic Understanding of Racism. Vol. 17, Issue 3. Pg 115-124. Published August, 2015.

Hall, Gordon (2016). Multicultural Psychology. New York, NY 10017.