#theracecardproject

The Race Card Project 

The Race Card Project was started in 2010 by Michele Norris. The project asks individuals to describe in six words their thoughts, experiences, and observations about race and identity. Many of the submissions also include a photo. Norris started the project it hopes to start a conversation about race, which can be a difficult conversation to have. In 2014, the project was awarded the Peabody Award for “excellence in electronic communications for turning a pejorative phrase into a productive dialogue on a difficult topic.” 

Throughout the course we have been discussing how historically many communities of color have had trouble taking control of their narrative and representing themselves. This project gives people from any background the ability to have a voice and speak up about their experiences with race and identity. I think that this is a great thing about social media and the internet. Individuals who used to be oppressed or didn’t have a platform on which to speak on are now able to speak freely on issues, such as racial inequality, and begin to take control of their narrative and representation in the media.

Many of the submissions include commentary on many of the cultures and racial identities that were discussed in the course. We discussed Native American’s and how society perceives indigenous people through analysis of “The Couple in a Cage” performance. Also heavily discussed was how in the past African American were unable to use photography and media to self- represent as mentioned in the documentary “Through a Lens Darkly,” and Deborah Willis’s essay “Picturing Us.” Their representation in the media was created by the rest of society. This project gives both of these groups a place to self-represent and begin to break down stereotypes surrounding them. 

The Race Card Project also allows for a discussion of intersectionality by intertwining race with class, gender and sexuality. A person’s identity goes far beyond their race and that a person’s gender, sexuality, and religion all connect to create a person’s identity.    

This project generates is able conversation regarding race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity by bringing all races and identities together in one place. It allows people to give their raw and real thoughts about race, even if they are difficult to read. It also creates a space for people to begin to understand other people’s opinions and views on race and identity, which helps to foster healthy conversations about those topics. 

During the course we read about The Hapa Project started by Kip Fulbeck, which relates to The Race Card Project. Although the goal of The Hapa Project focused on highlighting individuals experience with being Hapa, or having a mixed ethnic identity with Asian or Pacific Islander roots, the motives for starting the projects are very similar. Both projects have fostered a conversation about race and identity, and have given individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented or misrepresented in the media the ability to tell their story, share their thoughts, and ultimately take control of their narrative.

To learn more about The Race Card Project visit https://theracecardproject.com/ or follow them on Instagram @theracecardproject and Twitter: @RaceCardProject. 

Sources: 

Atlantic, The. "How Just Six Words Can Spark Conversation About Race in America." The Atlantic. September 15, 2017. Accessed July 19, 2019. https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/539568/michele-norris-race-card-project-aspen-ideas-2017/.

Fulbeck, Kip. "Kip Fulbeck: The Hapa Project." Kip Fulbeck. https://kipfulbeck.com/.

Kipx. YouTube. May 03, 2007. Accessed July 19, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmfCm05Q8c0.