by Kira Banks | May 3, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
We continue to act surprised when incidents occur that make it clear: race matters. The recent hubbub about the Harvard Law student email struck me as interesting for one main reason. We were surprised. Most of the commentary focused on the student, Harvard Law...
by Kira Banks | Mar 30, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
In the wake of the health-care debate, I’ve been struck by the blanket criticism to federal programs, much of which lacks historical context. U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., said, “The proponents of this legislation reject an opportunity society and instead...
by Kira Banks | Mar 17, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
I know the Oscars happened a week ago, but I’m still nagged by some of the larger implications of the event. The general controversy has been covered here and elsewhere. What I would like to do is highlight the limited scope of people of color throughout the history...
by Kira Banks | Feb 22, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
Required to do a dance that represents a culture, Russian ice skaters Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin chose Australian Aborigines. Problem? They got it wrong and failed to respond to feedback. After its unveiling in December, several sources said that the skaters...
by Kira Banks | Feb 8, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
Informed consent is a concept that guides present day practitioners to inform participants, in research or a procedure, what they are signing up for. You are responsible for communicating your methods in a way that participants can understand so that they can make a...
by Kira Banks | Jan 18, 2010 | Opinion Pieces
I am particularly struck by the importance of language and terminology at this time of year. With the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., talk of race is everywhere. “Have we achieved his dream,” is the constant question. Some would argue that Obama is King’s...
