After all of the discussions we've had in class, I would have to say one of the topics I can connect with most is images of black people, more specifically internalized racism. In the introduction of Bell Hooks book, Black Looks, she touches on the topic of internalized racism. Hooks states, "...images may be constructed by white people who have not divested of racism, or by people of color/black people who may see the world through the lens of white supremacy." Considering the fact that I've attended all predominately white schools before North Carolina A&T, my image of racism and black issues were clouded. Just as Hooks explains, my understanding of these issues were seen through the lens of white supremacy. However, I've learned from the readings this is exactly what white supremacy tries to do and it still occurs today. Although this is done more subtly today, African Americans are still given degrading roles on the big screen and television shows - including reality shows. While reviewing the materials in Unit 1 I realized how important the image and representation of African Americans is. I believe this is why she stresses (re)construction of our race and how we are perceived because if we fail to (re)construct our image internalized racism will still occur. She goes on to explain, "As long as black folks are taught that the only way we can gain any degree of economic self-sufficiency or be materially privileged is by first rejecting blackness, our culture, then there will be a crisis in black identity." Out of all of the topics covered in Unit 1, this was my favorite because I learned a lot from it and I feel like what she is saying is extremely important. Instead of defeating ourselves, we have to learn to embrace our "black identity" and destroy the image that white supremacists created that portrays African American people in a negative light.