Assignments on non-white traditions are read by whites as racial unfairness.

Evidence

In honor of the approaching spring equinox, all students were asked for the first time to write prose for their homework assignment: two C H A P T E R F O U R 100 paragraphs summarizing the major activities and traditions surrounding Nowruz (Persian New Year). From the far end of the table where ROTC students sat, three ROTC learners in a rare, but exceptionally clear racial tone, expressed anxiety over the assignment: ROTC student 1: This isn’t fair to us white kids! … ROTC student 3: We didn’t grow up with it! So not fair! — Neda Maghbouleh, The Limits of Whiteness, 324

Categorization

• SHARE: The Nowruz assignment being read as ‘not fair to us white kids’ is a sharp, sendable micro-anecdote for anyone teaching cultural content or studying racial grievance.