This semester we have played with, and around, the idea of “multiracial identity

This semester we have played with, and around, the idea of “multiracial identity” and “multiracial community” (see
class definition of “community” as well as DaCosta, King, etc.). This essay asks you to engage the group research
presentations (see the slides in BOX) in conjunction with the course readings, lectures, etc. to address the questions,
is there such thing as a “multiracial consciousness and community” among persons of mixed race ancestry. Indeed,
each of the group research presentations spoke to these ideas in various ways. For example, two presentations
focused on celebrity and representations in film, while another played with notions of “white appearing” and “white
passing” and examined the ways in which film/television exploits the “white appearing mixed race subject” becomes
tool of white supremacy. Yet, another presentation explicitly examined the “viewing” of the mixed race subject in
dating apps, conducting experimental research among LMU students. “How do these industries see/use the
multiracial subject & in what ways does this reinforce multiracial tropes and in what ways might these engage in
counter discursive dialogue? And do these types of societal cultural production of the multiracial subject impact/shape
their identity formation/development/performance?” In response to societal tropes and “imagining” one presentation explicitly examined “in their own words” how noted
mixed race persons understood their identity and responded to popular narratives about them, while other
presentations referenced interviews of mixed race persons addressing their identity. Yet, another presentation
addressed questions of “parenting” the multiracial children. Deploying the idea of “edge dancers” and Ho’s notions of
racial ambiguity another presentation looked at the liminal positionality of Southwest Asian in the US productions of
race and racialization. (Hint: This is not an opinion editorial and is not simply a yes or no question. You must make a declarative statement(s) that addresses the
questions posed by the presentations and assess the degree to which the presentations adequately answered their research questions and
provide “new” information & understanding on multiraciality as it relates to the questions of “identity” and “community.” You must use the
presentation materials, course resources (i.e. readings, handouts, etc.) to support your argument on multiracial identity and community.