Sample Questions and Answers
“Whitewashing” refers to:
a) The systematic exclusion of people of color from cultural productions
b) The inclusion of people of color in mainstream media
c) The depiction of white actors in non-white roles, erasing cultural identity
d) The celebration of diversity in popular culture
Answer: c) The depiction of white actors in non-white roles, erasing cultural identity
Explanation: Whitewashing is the practice of casting white actors in roles of characters from non-white racial or ethnic backgrounds, often leading to the erasure or misrepresentation of that culture.
The concept of “cultural relativism” suggests that:
a) All cultures are equally superior
b) One culture’s values and practices should be judged by its own standards, not those of others
c) Some cultures are inherently better than others
d) Cultural practices should always be the same for every society
Answer: b) One culture’s values and practices should be judged by its own standards, not those of others
Explanation: Cultural relativism argues that a culture’s values, beliefs, and practices should be understood based on the context of that specific culture, rather than judged by the standards of another culture.
The “melting pot” metaphor is associated with:
a) The complete separation of different cultural groups
b) The idea that diverse cultures should blend into one common culture
c) The rejection of assimilation
d) A society that maintains distinct cultural identities
Answer: b) The idea that diverse cultures should blend into one common culture
Explanation: The “melting pot” metaphor suggests that different ethnic and cultural groups should assimilate into the dominant culture, blending to form a unified society.
Which of the following is true about “ethnocentrism”?
a) It is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others
b) It encourages cultural exchange and understanding
c) It is based on the idea that all cultures should remain separate
d) It is a form of cultural relativism
Answer: a) It is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others
Explanation: Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, often leading to prejudice and discrimination against people from different cultures.
In multi-ethnic societies, “cultural assimilation” involves:
a) People of different cultures adopting the dominant culture’s norms and values
b) The forced separation of different cultural groups
c) The complete preservation of cultural identities without any blending
d) Equal participation of all groups in government and societal decision-making
Answer: a) People of different cultures adopting the dominant culture’s norms and values
Explanation: Cultural assimilation refers to the process where people from different ethnic or cultural groups adopt the practices, values, and norms of the dominant or majority culture.
“Multiculturalism” is best defined as:
a) A belief that different cultures should be segregated
b) A society that promotes the inclusion and celebration of diverse cultures
c) The practice of forcing all cultures to become homogenous
d) The idea that only the dominant culture should exist in society
Answer: b) A society that promotes the inclusion and celebration of diverse cultures
Explanation: Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society, promoting the recognition and celebration of cultural differences.
Which of the following best describes “affirmative action”?
a) A policy designed to promote equal opportunity by addressing historical inequalities in employment and education
b) A law that bans discrimination based on race or ethnicity
c) A policy that requires people to learn the dominant culture’s language
d) A law that forces people to adopt the majority culture’s lifestyle
Answer: a) A policy designed to promote equal opportunity by addressing historical inequalities in employment and education
Explanation: Affirmative action refers to policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, often by promoting diversity and equity in employment and education.
The “one-drop rule” in U.S. history is associated with:
a) The idea that people with any African ancestry should be classified as Black
b) The concept of racial purity
c) The belief that racial differences are biologically insignificant
d) The celebration of racial diversity
Answer: a) The idea that people with any African ancestry should be classified as Black
Explanation: The “one-drop rule” was a historical social and legal principle in the United States that classified anyone with any African ancestry as Black, regardless of their appearance or cultural identity.
“Cultural appropriation” is problematic because:
a) It encourages people to learn about other cultures
b) It involves borrowing cultural elements without understanding or respect for their significance
c) It helps create cultural unity
d) It promotes cross-cultural understanding
Answer: b) It involves borrowing cultural elements without understanding or respect for their significance
Explanation: Cultural appropriation is problematic because it often involves taking elements from another culture without permission or a deep understanding of their significance, which can perpetuate stereotypes and exploitation.
In the context of race, “colorism” refers to:
a) Discrimination based on a person’s skin color, typically within the same racial or ethnic group
b) Discrimination against people of different racial backgrounds
c) A system that favors lighter-skinned individuals over darker-skinned individuals
d) A movement to eliminate racial distinctions
Answer: a) Discrimination based on a person’s skin color, typically within the same racial or ethnic group
Explanation: Colorism refers to the prejudice or discrimination people face based on the shade of their skin, often favoring lighter skin within the same racial or ethnic group.
The concept of “racialization” refers to:
a) The idea that race does not matter in society
b) The process by which certain groups are defined and treated based on racial characteristics
c) The scientific study of racial differences
d) The practice of racial equality
Answer: b) The process by which certain groups are defined and treated based on racial characteristics
Explanation: Racialization is the social, political, and economic process by which individuals or groups are categorized and treated according to perceived racial differences, often leading to systemic inequalities.
“White nationalism” refers to:
a) A belief in the superiority of all racial groups
b) A movement that advocates for the preservation of a nation’s dominant white cultural and racial identity
c) A political ideology that supports racial equality for all groups
d) A focus on multiracial unity and inclusivity
Answer: b) A movement that advocates for the preservation of a nation’s dominant white cultural and racial identity
Explanation: White nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the dominance and preservation of white cultural and racial identity, often advocating for policies that exclude or marginalize non-white populations.
The term “Afrocentrism” refers to:
a) A movement that advocates for the inclusion of African traditions in mainstream culture
b) A belief that African people should abandon their heritage
c) A focus on the superiority of European culture
d) The idea that all ethnic groups should be treated equally without exception
Answer: a) A movement that advocates for the inclusion of African traditions in mainstream culture
Explanation: Afrocentrism is a cultural and intellectual movement that seeks to center the history, culture, and experiences of African people and reclaim African heritage from the distortions of Western perspectives.
Which of the following best defines “tokenism”?
a) The practice of including individuals from marginalized groups in an organization to create the appearance of diversity
b) The inclusion of all voices from diverse cultural backgrounds in decision-making
c) The practice of creating laws to promote racial equity
d) A method of addressing racism in society
Answer: a) The practice of including individuals from marginalized groups in an organization to create the appearance of diversity
Explanation: Tokenism refers to the superficial inclusion of members from marginalized groups to give the appearance of diversity or inclusivity without meaningful integration or change.
“Pan-ethnicity” refers to:
a) The belief that all ethnic groups should maintain their distinct identities
b) The grouping of various ethnic groups into broader categories based on shared characteristics
c) The movement to eliminate ethnic distinctions in society
d) The identification of ethnic groups based on religious practices
Answer: b) The grouping of various ethnic groups into broader categories based on shared characteristics
Explanation: Pan-ethnicity refers to the grouping of various ethnic groups that share common experiences or historical ties, even though they may differ in language, culture, or background.
Which of the following is an example of “cultural diffusion”?
a) A society that rejects all foreign influences
b) The exchange of cultural elements between different cultures, such as food or music
c) A society that forces immigrants to completely adopt the dominant culture
d) The preservation of cultural practices without any external influence
Answer: b) The exchange of cultural elements between different cultures, such as food or music
Explanation: Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of cultural elements from one society to another, including traditions, foods, ideas, and technologies.
“Genderqueer” individuals are those who:
a) Conform to traditional gender roles and norms
b) Identify as a gender that is outside the binary understanding of male and female
c) Only express themselves through gender-neutral clothing
d) Reject all gender norms
Answer: b) Identify as a gender that is outside the binary understanding of male and female
Explanation: Genderqueer individuals do not conform to the traditional male and female gender binary and may identify with a variety of gender expressions outside conventional categories.
Which of the following is a characteristic of “institutionalized racism”?
a) An individual’s biased attitudes towards a minority group
b) Laws and policies that disproportionately disadvantage minority groups
c) Personal prejudices expressed in everyday conversations
d) A single instance of discriminatory behavior in the workplace
Answer: b) Laws and policies that disproportionately disadvantage minority groups
Explanation: Institutionalized racism refers to the systematic patterns of racial discrimination embedded within societal institutions such as schools, workplaces, and legal systems.
Which term refers to the act of promoting and maintaining positive racial and ethnic identities?
a) Racism
b) Cultural assimilation
c) Ethnic pride
d) Segregation
Answer: c) Ethnic pride
Explanation: Ethnic pride is the affirmation of one’s cultural and ethnic heritage, promoting a positive identity within that group and encouraging self-respect.
The “model minority” stereotype refers to:
a) A myth that minority groups are inherently inferior to others
b) The belief that all minority groups face the same struggles and challenges
c) The idea that certain minority groups are perceived as more successful due to hard work and conformity
d) A stereotype that portrays all minority groups as unsuccessful
Answer: c) The idea that certain minority groups are perceived as more successful due to hard work and conformity
Explanation: The model minority stereotype assumes that some ethnic groups, such as Asian Americans, are more successful or prosperous because they are hardworking and conform to societal expectations, ignoring the diversity of experiences within these groups.
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