Glog Assignment

Background:

Nella Larsen's "Quicksand" explores various sides of black identity construction in different geographical regions in the United States as well as abroad. The cultural moment of the novel takes place during the loosely titled "Harlem Renaissance" which functions as a crucial intersection and interruption in this cultural pursuit of identity. Two apparent sides of this identity during this moment are "the folk" and the "middle class black" both of which are extremely problematic categories to merely assign an individual during a single cultural moment.

Big Question:

Consider what is at stake in making an arbitrary designation between people groups. How would assigning categories help the black culture and how would assigning categories hurt these people groups? Are designations like this encouraging exclusivity or inclusive behavior and attitudes? Think of Helga in the novel: do these designations produce a sort of cognitive dissonance in Helga that hurt her or do they provide a comforting reference point for where she belongs? Please reference at least one image or video from each side of the glog in your answer and use textual evidence from "Quicksand" as well.

Skills:

Reading a text is a matter of considering images, videos, color schemes, and quotes that are posted on the glog. Remember, each addition to the glog is deliberately chosen and deliberately placed and thus makes a statement. If every statement is an argument what is being argued? Pay attention to the details of the image and what side of the glog it is posted on. Consider the intention of the glog creator in text placement. Why is there a division at all?

Performing Knowledge:

Post your findings to your individual blogs. Be sure to include the specific glog texts you are considering as well as page numbers from the novel following your textual evidence. The length of your blog should be approximately three solid paragraphs: one paragraph for each image from each side of the glog and one for your synthesis that answers some or all of the big questions.