31-71

• The Mecca? Why does Coates refer to Howard University as his Mecca? What does he mean by “the crossroads of the black diaspora” (40)? In your explanation, be sure to include a quote from Coates.

Coats refers to Howard University as his Mecca because he thinks of it as one of the greatest wealths of Black history and culture. At Howard he had access to a library with the stories of Black heroes and iconic figures. He saw how his perception of the people he was reading about and how he thought their opinions would align were different than they actually were. He is also exposed to a variety of new people with different backgrounds. His access to new experiences and information expanded at the Mecca.

• B. “Tolstoy is the Tolstoy of the Zulus” (Coates 56). What do you think this helps us see about race or about what Coates calls “racecraft” at the bottom of that same paragraph? As always, include textual evidence in your explanation.

“Tolstoy is the Tolstoy of the Zulus” is about not separating people by race. Everyone can enjoy or appreciate Tolstoy no matter where they come from. By trying to find who the Tolstoy of the Zulus is, we accept and perpetuate the separation between races that is damaging to society. 

• Freebie. Help us examine some specific part of Coates’ text by offering a Quotation, providing a 3-4 sentence Comment on it, and asking a Question that flows from the quote and/or comment.

“But perhaps I too had the capacity for plunder, maybe I would take another human’s body to confirm myself in a community. Perhaps I already had. Hate gives identity.” (60)

This is an idea that continued from the first set of questions when we talked about how race is the child of racism. Erin brought up the notion that hate is always present. It seems to be in our nature to want to feel superior. This is seen in racism, homophobia, sexism, etc.