Shanon Lee - Ideas For Your Submission

Ideas For Your Submission

Deadline for Submission: June 1, 2009

Write about your upbringing. How did you grow up? Talk about your childhood, family, traditions and values.
Discuss stereotypes, differences and memorable experiences growing up related to race and identity. Give specific examples of how you were[are] perceived and how it affected you.
Provide examples of what you believe may cultivate a cultural divide within the Black Community. Possible topics: assimilation, “ghettorization”, hip hop culture, western educational system, Black middle class, etc.
Describe your experiences dating someone (of the same race) from a different background. How were they perceived by your family and friends? What were the challenges? How did their morals differ? How well did they interact with others in your circle?
Provide details about an interracial relationship and your reasons for dating outside your race. If you have not dated interracially, but desire to, talk about why you have refrained from doing so.
If you are single, list the reasons you believe it has been difficult to find a partner. If you are married, list the reasons you believe it has been challenging for you and your spouse to coexist.

Apr 1 2009

About me

As a Black woman raised and educated within predominately white suburban communities, I’m writing a book which explores what happens when you date within your race and cultural differences present a problem. What happens when you were raised in suburbia and your man raised himself in the ghetto? Are there fundamental differences which prevent a successful relationship? Does he stereotype you? Do you stereotype him? Do you blame this cultural clash for providing you with less opportunity to date? Has it made you date outside your race, or lose faith in the possibility of marrying a Black man?