Dear Claudia Rankine...

Dear Claudia Rankine,

In your lyric, "Citizen" you discuss identity in America and introduce the idea that one possesses a dual identity, one of self-created identity and one that is predetermined by society due to history and established social hierarchies.  I saw and found this idea interesting in your discussion of Serena Williams.  Serena who possesses large talent proven through her acquisition of multiple world titles and Olympic medals has often been the recipient of discrimination and unfair judgments not only during matches but also surrounding her day to day actions.  This prejudice occurs I argue not as a result of her self-identity, but her historical identity.  This proves the power of historical identities because no matter the poise and skill Williams possessed she was judged based on a racial perception that derived from her races historical origins.  Know this information I question whether historical identity blinds one from seeing another's self-identity by altering their perceptions of another human.  I feel this claim could be justified by your example of a friend calling you the name of their black housekeeper, despite you both being completely different people with different values, interests, and lifestyles.  In this situation, your friend overlooked numerous differences to associate the two of you simply on the basis of race.  Anyways, I will wait for your response.  I found your lyric to be both thought provoking and interesting.

 Sending my best,

Tatum Hall

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