1) According to the article “The People of Walmart” (Copeland and Labuski 2013), Wal-Mart has tried to position itself as a company that helps individuals and families achieve the American Dream. In what ways does Wal-Mart succeed at this? In what ways does it fail? Explain and elaborate on this passage from the reading: “Most Wal-Mart associates are, by necessity, Wal-Mart custom¬ers; Wal-Mart’s low wage model creates a cap¬tive audience of consumers who cannot afford to shop anywhere else.” Support your conclusions with points from the reading.
2) According to the article “Optional Ethnicities” (Waters 1996), Whites and minorities in the U.S. have different experiences regarding race and ethnicity. Describe the societal costs of symbolic ethnicity. What are the reasons white Americans of European ancestry have more options regarding their ethnic identities? White female college students often ask black females questions about how they care for their hair. Why are many black females hurt and/or offended by these questions? Why do white students often consider these harmless or innocent questions?
3) According to “Still a Man’s World” (Williams 1995), hiring decisions, pay, and relationships with supervisors vary for men and women in traditionally female jobs. How are men and women steered into different specialties in traditionally female jobs? What is the “glass escalator?” What are the experiences of male employees with their male and female administrators? What assumptions are made about men who are employed in the stereotypically female jobs described in this piece?