Throughout my academic career, I have learned the most from having my own beliefs challenged by others. In this paper, I decided to challenge those beliefs myself. In “Interrogating Race in Contemporary America,” I was able to put words to my once-disorganized thoughts on identity politics through class discussions and various reading assignments, specifically on the idea of a “post-racial America.” Though I immediately knew that I wanted to write about post-racial beliefs in my research paper, I had difficulty thinking of a main exhibit to analyze. After racking my brain for hours, I had the sudden realization to write about Hamilton: An American Musical. As a huge Hamilton fan and supporter of its political impact, I truly enjoyed analyzing and connecting such a passion of mine to a fascinating sociological concept. I encourage everyone to write about their passions, remain objective and honest, and to not be afraid to question anything and everything.
KYLIE UMEHIRA is a rising sophomore at Boston University studying advertising in the College of Communication and political science in the College of Arts and Sciences. Hailing from Kane’ohe on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i, Kylie is an avid writer, follower of national politics, and fan of the Oxford comma. She thanks her most inspirational English teachers, Edward Moore, Nora Okja Keller, and Joe Tsujimoto, for encouraging and mentoring her as a writer. She also thanks Professor Jessica Bozek for her endless support and guidance, her WR 150 classmates for their feedback, and her friends for the hours of verbal brainstorming and conversation throughout the writing process.