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.
Globally there are similarities about the history and
continuation of racism. The United States, Brazil, France and South Africa all
share the common thread of institutionalized oppression. Capitalism is what brought many of these
countries to dehumanize people and make them “property.” The United States has had
a history of oppression to minority groups since the age of slavery. In the
1880s the United States had a system much like South Africa’s apartheid, deemed
legal segregation. Meanwhile, whites in France gained their wealth by
exploitation of Americans of color. The exploitation of Africa brought wealth
to the French. Here, French colonialism differed from colonialism by Americans.
The French assimilated the people into the French empire but made them hold an
inferior position. The U.S and France, hold a lot of similarities between their
histories but I believe that the U.S.’s treatment of minority groups (Africans
Americans) was much worse. On the other hand, Brazil’s treatment of
Afro-Brazilians has undoubtedly been intense and continues present day.
How has racism influenced the history of housing and urban
development in the United States?
Because of the unfair treatment of African Americans it has
been a continued struggle for fair housing in the United States. Racism,
segregation and general negative feelings of African Americans have been a
barrier for equal housing. Often, African Americans couldn’t find quality
housing. Until 1965 when the Housing and Urban Development Act was signed,
African Americans and other minorities suffered. I believe that the Housing and
Urban Development Act still doesn’t give people of color equal housing.
Tatum’s article discusses three barriers to talking about
issues of race and racism with students in a classroom setting. What are these?
- individual’s concept of identity
- dominant group does not conscious about their authorities and privileges
- many people are both dominant and subordinate
Finally, following Peggy McIntosh’s format, list a few of
your privileges and your overall reaction to this article.
Forever whites have been the dominant group while others have been subjected to the title of "less than," subordinate or disadvantaged. Unfortunately, concentrating so much on their flaws I failed to realize my own privilege. I may not have the "privilege" of being white but I do have many other privileges that some do not.
I am privileged…
- to attend The University of Texas. Many African Americans weren’t allowed this opportunity until 1950
- to have grown up in a 2 parent, middle-class family
- to be able to fully function, using all of my extremities
- to be a part of a ethnicity so rich in culture
You make a good point: it is easy to focus on just one privilege such as being the dominant race group, but forget all the other privileges you have experienced. The opportunity to grow up in a middle-class, 2 parent home is a bigger privilege than we sometimes realize. Also, simply attending this university is a privilege that so many people in this world are not able to experience.
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