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| RPTA
033: Race, Class, Gender and
Leisure |
| Examination
of the role of leisure in the social construction of markers
of identity across gender, race, class, sexuality and
disability; and leisure's role in the construction of
institutional oppressions such as racism, sexism, homophobia
and discrimination based on class and disability. |
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Diversity is perhaps one of the
most important issues facing American in this first century of the new
millennium. As a country that has always prided itself as being
accepting and open to all people, when actually faced with diversity,
America often reacts by moving further away, creating laws to separate
people, or by treating diversity as a tourist attraction or
entertainment that is enjoyed for the moment, but not truly embraced.
And how often are minority groups stereotyped by a particular
sport or entertainment that they are supposed to be "good
at." California, the largest and most diverse state, is being watched by
the entire country as it faces the challenges of diversity in the
workplace, in communities and in leisure settings. It's geographic
location makes it the primary welcome center for Asian, South Asian
and Latin American immigrants, which brings with it a wide-range of
religious practices. It's large cities (and smaller communities) are
home to the country's largest gay and lesbian population. It presents situations of extreme wealth and extreme poverty in
both rural and urban settings. With the large population, naturally
come many persons with disabilities, yet the state is famous for its
emphasis on the ideal body image and institutionalized looksism
(especially, but not only in Hollywood).
Leisure is often seen as a method of bringing diverse people together,
but more often, it is actually a separator of people and a sign of
social class and privilege. People often choose the leisure
industries as professions trying to escape politics, but find that one
of the most political and controversial sectors of society has to do
with restricting the freedoms of others. Naturally, individual freedom
(or the perception of) is a key component of leisure.
This course will challenge
students to examine the power-position of leisure at the global,
national and regional geographic scales. Students will read opposing
views on potentially controversial topics that will broaden the
student's perspectives.
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