Understanding Race Consciousness

The speaker reflects on their early awareness of race, noting that even in a predominantly African-American community, they were conscious of racial differences. This awareness was heightened during a childhood camp experience where they were one of the few non-white participants. The speaker contrasts their experience with that of their niece, suggesting that racial consciousness may be less pronounced in younger generations. The narrative highlights the role of family and community in understanding and coping with racial identity.

What was the speaker's early environment like in terms of racial composition?

• Evenly Mixed

• Predominantly African-American

• Predominantly White

• Mostly Hispanic

What was the racial composition of the camp the speaker attended as a child?

• Evenly Mixed

• Mostly White

• Mostly Hispanic

• Mostly African-American

How did the speaker's brother's appearance affect perceptions of his racial identity?

• He was often mistaken for being White

• He was seen as Hispanic

• He was easily identified as African-American

• He was seen as Asian

How does the speaker describe the racial consciousness of their niece compared to their own?

• Not self-conscious at all

• More self-conscious

• Less self-conscious

• Equally self-conscious

What message did the speaker receive about race during their upbringing?

• It was something to ignore

• It was something neutral

• It was something to be ashamed of

• It was something to be proud of

Who did the speaker rely on to make sense of their racial identity?

• Friends

• Family and Church

• Media

• Teachers

What role did the speaker's community play in their understanding of race?

• It was confusing

• It was supportive

• It was unimportant

• It was discouraging