Mixed Race Studies

Race, Genetics, Medicine and the Museum

Museums & Social Issues: A Journal of Reflective Discourse
Volume 11, Issue 1, 2016
Special Issue: Special Issue: Museum, Health & Medicine
pages 53-62
DOI: 10.1080/15596893.2015.1131095

Monique Scott, Director of Museum Studies
Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Research Associate, Anthropology Department
American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York

The natural history museum has long been invested in educating the public about what it means to be human, including human identity, human ancestry and human diversity. With the recent scientific advances in human genomic research and the public fervor for individual genetic ancestry testing, the museum is now challenged both to keep pace with current scientific research and wrestle with popular scientific thinking that circulates outside the museum. This article considers several strategies that the American Museum of Natural History Museum has used to intervene in public perceptions of “race”, genetics and human health through critical interactive dialogue—the museum as a space for audiences of various ages to investigate and interrogate the science and politics of human identity that accompany this new genetic frontier.

Read or purchase the article here.

‘A Change of Heart’: Racial Politics, Scientific Metaphor and Coverage of 1968 Interracial Heart Transplants in the African American Press

Social History of Medicine
Published online: 2016-05-26
DOI: 10.1093/shm/hkw052

Maya Overby Koretzky
Johns Hopkins Institute for the History of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

This paper explores the African American response to an interracial heart transplant in 1968 through a close reading of the black newspaper press. This methodological approach provides a window into African American perceptions of physiological difference between the races, or lack thereof, as it pertained to both personal identity and race politics. Coverage of the first interracial heart transplant, which occurred in apartheid South Africa, was multifaceted. Newspapers lauded the transplant as evidence of physiological race equality while simultaneously mobilising the language of differing ‘black’ and ‘white’ hearts to critique racist politics through the metaphor of a ‘change of heart’. While interracial transplant created the opportunity for such political commentary, its material reality—potential exploitation of black bodies for white gain—was increasingly a cause for concern, especially after a contentious heart transplant from a black to a white man in May 1968 in the American South.

Read or purchase the article here.

Inspired By — A Q&A With Actor-Writer-Producer Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni

Goldstar Pulse
2016-05-27

Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni

Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni is creator and star of One Drop of Love, a solo show co-produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. She’s a spokesperson on the arts and racial identity, a board member of Mixed Roots Stories, and an honoree at next week’s Media Done Responsibly Awards for her commitment to diversity in Hollywood.

Tell us about what you do.

I’m the writer, producer and performer of a one-woman show (One Drop of Love) exploring the intersections of race, class and gender and how these affect our most intimate relationships. I’m an educator and have taught (and learned from) students from all over the world. I’m also an advocate for equity and inclusion at all levels of media content production.

And you haven’t run off to do something else because…

I’m named after a book, Fanshen by William Hinton, about a small village in China that used this word as their motto. ‘Fan Shen’ symbolizes the creation of a society in which everyone contributes and benefits equitably. So you could say my parents gave me a sense of responsibility from birth, and I happily do what I can to live up to my name personally and professionally…

Read the entire interview here.

Casting Diverse Multigenerational Families

ZAN Casting
195 Chrystie Street, #603B
New York, New York 10002
2016-05-25

Leah Mara, Casting Associate (Telephone: 212.533.0502)

ZAN Casting, a casting agency in New York is working on a digital short for Tylenol, and looking for Modern Diverse Families to share their stories. #HowWeFamily.

Overall, we are looking for real 3 generation families, ideally 8-12 members, with a strong Patriarch (Grandfather) figure. The rest of the extended family should be diverse, representing a complete a cross section of todays uniquely blended society in 1 real family tree

Shoot Date: Wedesday, June 8 or Thurday June 6, 2016 (1 Day Shoot Only)
Location: New York City + Surrounding area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania) (Within 1.5 hour range of city)

Compensation: $1,000 (USD) Per Individual (If Chosen)
Location Fee: $2,000 (USD) To be filmed in your home.

Usage: Intended use is 6 weeks digital + social media (buyout will be All rights/all media in perpetuity)

• REAL MODERN FAMILIES — 3 generation family that represents a broad cross section of diversity, with an emphasis on visual differences and the unique characteristic of today’s melting pot i.e. Race, Interracial marriage, LBGT, special needs, military, religion, adoption, etc.. Open to all types!!
• Potential Age Breakdown – Grandparents; Parents (siblings and their respective families); Grandkids.

SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS: Submit by Tuesday May 31st to: studio@zancasting.com

1. Names, Ages, Location, Contact info (phone+email)
2. Tell us about yourself, your family, interesting characteristics
3. Family Photos (explain who everyone is)
4. Send a video telling us a little about yourself and your family history, interesting relationships and connections

CASTING: Families can submit via email or come to our casting!
Casting Date: Friday 5/27, Saturday 5/28, or Tuesday 5/31
Casting Time: 10am – 5pm EDT
Casting Location: 195 Chrystie Street, 603B, New York, New York 10002
Contact to Schedule: studio@zancasting.com / 212.533.0502