PROMPT:
After completing the readings, respond to the following:
What are some of the
similarities and differences in experiences of racism globally? In general,
describe the “exploiter and exploited” relationship. Discuss specific parallels between U.S.,
France, Brazil and South Africa.
It’s incredible to read about countries, who are thousands of miles apart from each other, with similar histories of oppression of the black race by the white race. Even though most of the oppressive laws in these countries have been lifted, there is still evidence of racism within the mindsets of the residents of these countries. There is a common pattern of white supremacy and white privilege at the expense of black identity and black privilege too. Black people are still considered to be “ugly, lazy, and stupid” while whites are seen as civilized and educated. As a black man raised in America, I understand how damaging these preconceived notions can be. I can remember being confused about my identity growing up because I did not know how to relate and identify with my white friends at school. These countries have created a stark inequality of resources in their respective countries. Whites have made trillions of dollars by exploiting black labor, and very little of that money has trickled down to the black race. Though the systematic oppression is similar, each country differs in dynamics and historical context.
U.S. and France represent the exploiters. While the U.S. primarily used outside labor to exploit the resources of its own country, France colonized African nations and robbed the indigenous people of their resources. Currently, both countries have a white majority, though that’s subject to change in the coming years. There is still a lot of underlining oppressive racists notions in both countries, even though America and France value independence and freedom. Contemporary discrimination, due to a long history of racists ideals, is still very much prevalent in exploiter countries.
It’s incredible to read about countries, who are thousands of miles apart from each other, with similar histories of oppression of the black race by the white race. Even though most of the oppressive laws in these countries have been lifted, there is still evidence of racism within the mindsets of the residents of these countries. There is a common pattern of white supremacy and white privilege at the expense of black identity and black privilege too. Black people are still considered to be “ugly, lazy, and stupid” while whites are seen as civilized and educated. As a black man raised in America, I understand how damaging these preconceived notions can be. I can remember being confused about my identity growing up because I did not know how to relate and identify with my white friends at school. These countries have created a stark inequality of resources in their respective countries. Whites have made trillions of dollars by exploiting black labor, and very little of that money has trickled down to the black race. Though the systematic oppression is similar, each country differs in dynamics and historical context.
U.S. and France represent the exploiters. While the U.S. primarily used outside labor to exploit the resources of its own country, France colonized African nations and robbed the indigenous people of their resources. Currently, both countries have a white majority, though that’s subject to change in the coming years. There is still a lot of underlining oppressive racists notions in both countries, even though America and France value independence and freedom. Contemporary discrimination, due to a long history of racists ideals, is still very much prevalent in exploiter countries.
Brazil and South Africa represent exploited countries in
this article. These two countries are
rich with a lot of valuable natural minerals and materials. Because of this, countries, like America and
France, exploit the resources of the native countries for profit, leaving
native countries with a lot of civil and political unrest. This is the case of Brazil and South
Africa. Both countries are still healing
from the scars from their oppressive pasts.
The new South Africa has technically only been in existence for about 20
years, and it still has a long way to go as a country. White elitists have avoided taking ownership
of the problems that they have caused.
They turn a blind eye to the educational, economic, and social
inequalities that are now rampant in countries like Brazil and South Africa.
How has racism
influenced the history of housing and urban development in the United States?
Despite the Housing and Urban development act, there was still institutionalized racism/segregation when it comes to the housing market. The primary example is redlining. According to the Boston Fair Housing website, redlining is the practice of denying or limiting financial services to certain neighborhoods based on racial or ethnic composition without regard to the residents’ qualifications or creditworthiness. The financial service industry used to mark red lines on maps for areas where they would not provide services to. Because of this, many minorities had a hard time receiving loans or mortgages in other areas. The lack of capital impeded the economic growth of these neighborhoods. Redlining is a direct result of racism and stereotyping.
Tatum’s article
discusses three barriers to talking about issues of race and racism with
students in a classroom setting. What
are these?
Gender, religion, and sexuality.
Finally, following
Peggy McIntosh’s format, list a few of your privileges and your overall
reaction to this article.
I enjoyed reading the article. I have been taught about the concept of “white” privilege since I have been young. On the other hand, I never realized that I have privilege for being a man. Privilege really is an unconscious notion to the dominant social group. Here are some of the privileges that I have.
1. In the neighborhood that I live in, I can call the police and not wonder if they will ever arrive at my residence.
2. When I go on dates, I never think about the possibility
of being sexually harassed, kidnapped, or raped.
3. I have the privilege of talking to a variety of different companies if I so choose because of the business school that I attend.
4. I have the privilege of worshiping freely, in the socially acceptable worship places, without feeling persecuted or hated.
3. I have the privilege of talking to a variety of different companies if I so choose because of the business school that I attend.
4. I have the privilege of worshiping freely, in the socially acceptable worship places, without feeling persecuted or hated.
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