[A technical problem led to the omission of the text of the previous copy
of this CFP -ed.]

    CFP: "Black Authenticity—Authentic Blackness" (07/15/06; essay collection)

  In this essay collection, we seek to explore the always complicated and often contentious and contradictory question of "authenticity" as it relates to "blackness."
              Can there be such a thing as being "authentically black"? If so, what contours would such an "authentic blackness" have? If not, why is it not possible to be "authentically black"? Who defines "authentic blackness"? Does "authenticity" have value as a political rallying cry? Did it ever? Can the notion of authenticity unify or is it divisive? Does the notion of black authenticity imply or rely on antagonistic relations with other racial/ethnic groups? Is the notion of black authenticity, grounded as it tends to be in nationalist ideology, oppressive? How does the notion of "authentic blackness" intersect with class, gender, religion, etc? How does the notion of "authentic blackness" differ depending on time period and cultural and geographical context (U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe)?
              How do these and related issues play themselves out in literature, music, film, popular culture, and politics? We are interested in a broad array of approaches and in multiple answers to these questions. Scholarly, personal, polemical, or programmatic essays are welcome. Preferable length: 10-30 pages; MLA style.

  Please send queries or essays to Martin Japtok (mjaptok_at_palomar.edu) or Rafiki Jenkins (jjenkins_at_palomar.edu) at the English Department, Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069 by July 15, 2006.

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Received on Tue Dec 27 2005 - 11:44:11 EST