In “How Jews Became White Folks” Brodkin concludes that Jews, along with other people of white skin color, were able to move upward in America while blacks still faced discrimination and segregation.
“America once regarded its immigrant European workers as something other than white, as biologically different,” (38). As Jews began coming to America, some were just viewed as whites. Jewish ethnic heritage included the belief that they were smart and successful because of their efforts, abilities, and hard work (38). However, these were not the only factors that allowed Jews to become successful. Jews were viewed as inferior just like several other “races” or “groups.” Jews eventually would become “whitened” and in a sense change races. The whole idea of races may trace back to Europe, where Irish were viewed as an inferior race. In Europe, Jews were just part of the white population. In America, however, Jews became one of the lowest classes and also one of the lowest races because race and class were interwoven (40). Jews lived in the worst neighborhoods, in the filthiest buildings, and were viewed as unwashed, unrefined, loud, and pushy (41). The Jewish were secluded in society, but soon things changed. The postwar boom that followed World War II allowed formerly working class Jews to enter the middle class (45). A large middle class formed, which include the old whites and the new whites (Jews and other immigrants with white skin formerly labeled inferior). The transition to middle class and economic prosperity aided in the “whitening” process of the Euro-ethnics (43). Following World War II there was an increase in colleges and education, and the GI Bill was supposed to aid war veterans in getting jobs, housing, and an education (44). It did just this…for white males. However, women and blacks did not receive the full benefits of the GI Bill. Racial violence increased after the war and gains were lost. Suburbs became upper class, white neighborhoods, and blacks were forced to remain living in the cities which was the lowest place to live. Segregation and redlining kept blacks out of the suburbs because loans were nearly impossible for blacks to get (being in the redlined neighborhoods), and they could not sell their homes with no one wanting to buy them. “To blacks, the government offered the cement boots of segregation, redlining, urban renewal, and discrimination,” (50). Therefore, Jews were able to move upward and become white due to a huge “affirmative action program,” and blacks were excluded from this program because racial inequality seems to maintain itself naturally, (50).
Why could Jews, Irish, and other groups move upward in society while African Americans or blacks could not? Skin color. Jews and Irish and other groups from Europe were white. They could become “white” based on society, and above people of color. Of course, class was still divided, and the upper class was mainly just the “original whites” and the middle class had more Jews and Irish than did the upper class. People with white skin were also seen as being able to assimilate quickly, as compared to people of color who could not. However, if I remember correctly blacks were prevented from any form of education when they came to America, not getting a chance to assimilate.
I am grateful that Jews (and Irish, etc.) were able to become “white,” but if only people of color would have been allowed to enjoy the benefits of the GI Bill as well, then things would be a lot better today. Equality would still be far away, but things could be a lot better. “Instead of seizing the opportunity to end institutionalized racism, the federal government did its level best to shut and double-seal the postwar window of opportunity in African Americans’ faces,” (49).
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Race: The Power of An Illusion (Episode 3)
In episode 3 of, Race: The Power of An Illusion titled “The House We Live In,” race is identified as being an illusion, but it is also “profoundly real” because it is the first thing we notice about a person.
Skin color and other physical characteristics are the first things that we notice about a person. Often times, whether we mean to or not, these physical characteristics create judgments of who these people are. Stereotypes and assumptions are made from outward appearance. People also think they can “know” a person just by how they look and their skin color. Race means nothing without the social meaning placed with certain races. This means that we cannot really “see” race, not only because it is made up, but also because it is defined by social meaning. Chances, opportunities, and identities are all affected by race. If certain races are oppressed, then they want to “fit in” somehow and feel more accepted and less oppressed. Immigrants were oppressed when they came over to America. They originally hoped for a better life and many opportunities. However, immigrants became oppressed and placed below all whites that were already in America. However, immigrants that had white skin would eventually be able to use their “whiteness” to oppress blacks and other “races.” American citizens used to be defined as white. Immigrants started out as not being included as citizens, but those that were white became included later because they were white. Possibly the most oppressed racial group would be considered the blacks. In the past, race was defined as what percent ancestry you were, and this was defined differently in different states. Therefore, one could cross a state line and change races, agreeing with the fact that race is a made up and socially constructed idea. Also, this shows that those in power, “whites,” determined races. “Whiteness” was what the common white said it was, and this resulted in white privilege. Those that had ancestry that were not white were considered foreigners, and from this they could not receive white privilege even if they were white. The FHA and the GI Bill racialized neighborhoods and constructed even more “whiteness.” This also increased racial inequality due to wealth.
The GI Bill was intended to aid all war veterans. Why did this bill not do what it was supposed to do? Fear? Power? Privilege? Difference? All of these played its part in the GI Bill not producing the right results. Whites saw blacks as different because of their skin color and felt that blacks were less human or “not as good” because of that. Whites were also in power and had white privilege. They did not want to give this power or privilege away, and they feared they may lose some of it if blacks were aided by the GI Bill just like whites were.
Race is made up and socially constructed. Therefore, race does not say anything about a person and race should not matter at all. What should matter is what is on the inside. What a person thinks and feels and believes should matter. If anything should classify people into groups, I would have to say religion would be the difference that it is based on. And this difference would be real, not created as race is. Also, there would not be so many problems because one’s religion cannot be seen by just looking at someone.
Skin color and other physical characteristics are the first things that we notice about a person. Often times, whether we mean to or not, these physical characteristics create judgments of who these people are. Stereotypes and assumptions are made from outward appearance. People also think they can “know” a person just by how they look and their skin color. Race means nothing without the social meaning placed with certain races. This means that we cannot really “see” race, not only because it is made up, but also because it is defined by social meaning. Chances, opportunities, and identities are all affected by race. If certain races are oppressed, then they want to “fit in” somehow and feel more accepted and less oppressed. Immigrants were oppressed when they came over to America. They originally hoped for a better life and many opportunities. However, immigrants became oppressed and placed below all whites that were already in America. However, immigrants that had white skin would eventually be able to use their “whiteness” to oppress blacks and other “races.” American citizens used to be defined as white. Immigrants started out as not being included as citizens, but those that were white became included later because they were white. Possibly the most oppressed racial group would be considered the blacks. In the past, race was defined as what percent ancestry you were, and this was defined differently in different states. Therefore, one could cross a state line and change races, agreeing with the fact that race is a made up and socially constructed idea. Also, this shows that those in power, “whites,” determined races. “Whiteness” was what the common white said it was, and this resulted in white privilege. Those that had ancestry that were not white were considered foreigners, and from this they could not receive white privilege even if they were white. The FHA and the GI Bill racialized neighborhoods and constructed even more “whiteness.” This also increased racial inequality due to wealth.
The GI Bill was intended to aid all war veterans. Why did this bill not do what it was supposed to do? Fear? Power? Privilege? Difference? All of these played its part in the GI Bill not producing the right results. Whites saw blacks as different because of their skin color and felt that blacks were less human or “not as good” because of that. Whites were also in power and had white privilege. They did not want to give this power or privilege away, and they feared they may lose some of it if blacks were aided by the GI Bill just like whites were.
Race is made up and socially constructed. Therefore, race does not say anything about a person and race should not matter at all. What should matter is what is on the inside. What a person thinks and feels and believes should matter. If anything should classify people into groups, I would have to say religion would be the difference that it is based on. And this difference would be real, not created as race is. Also, there would not be so many problems because one’s religion cannot be seen by just looking at someone.
Chris Rock Affirmative Action
Affirmative action?
Chris Rock makes a good point that if he does not get a better grade on a test then he should not get in to a school or get a job ahead of anyone that gets a better grade than him. However, if there is a tie, then he should get the job over a white person. “They [whites] have had a full hundred year head start.” This humor is quite true in a sense though. White people did have a head start. They prevented many blacks from an education and the opportunity to read and write. I know it cannot be made up to blacks now, but it would seem “more fair” to give ties to the black people. Chris also says that it is suspected that the smartest and the brightest run the country. This is not true though. Our nation is a “nation in the middle” with mostly B or C students. The problem of our nation is that a black C student cannot be manager of a Burger King as Chris said, and yet a white C student can be president of the United States.
Whites are privileged in our society and that would be extremely difficult to end. If everyone works together though, we can make a difference and reduce the white privilege. We should make a goal to strive for more equality among people of any color or ethnicity.
Chris Rock makes a good point that if he does not get a better grade on a test then he should not get in to a school or get a job ahead of anyone that gets a better grade than him. However, if there is a tie, then he should get the job over a white person. “They [whites] have had a full hundred year head start.” This humor is quite true in a sense though. White people did have a head start. They prevented many blacks from an education and the opportunity to read and write. I know it cannot be made up to blacks now, but it would seem “more fair” to give ties to the black people. Chris also says that it is suspected that the smartest and the brightest run the country. This is not true though. Our nation is a “nation in the middle” with mostly B or C students. The problem of our nation is that a black C student cannot be manager of a Burger King as Chris said, and yet a white C student can be president of the United States.
Whites are privileged in our society and that would be extremely difficult to end. If everyone works together though, we can make a difference and reduce the white privilege. We should make a goal to strive for more equality among people of any color or ethnicity.
C.A.R.E.- Still Confronting Race: From Dialogues to Action (ex. cred.)
Does Bowling Green State University have unity, diversity, or neither?
First off, the moderator in this presentation was white and the four guest speakers appeared to be of different ethnicities, or “races.” I thought it was a little weird, or ironic that this was the situation. Anyway, one of the first major points that I got was that racism could be a conscious or an unconscious act. Also, racism is based partly on institutions such as Bowling Green State University. The first speaker, Dr. Anderson, spoke about how he views the Confederate flag as a racist symbol and that we may be placing too much emphasis on culture or habits. The second speaker, student Laura Saavedra, mentioned how race is not just black and white, and we all have a responsibility and need to raise awareness of the problems with race. She also said that in the Bowling Green State University mission statement diversity was encouraged, but due to the lack of, we need to work together to make changes. The third speaker, Dr. Chen, brought statistics showing that there is more white faculty based on percent than there should be compared to Ohio’s population census. Minorities are underrepresented at Bowling Green State University. She also said how guilt put on people dealing with race can lead to them withdrawing themselves. The final speaker, Dr. Adams, mentioned how race is structural and capitalism prevents equality. He also said that people need to be vulnerable in order for changes to be made. Whites need to be allowed to make mistakes, and people of color need to be allowed to be angry. Based on all of the speakers, Bowling Green State University has neither unity nor diversity. Maybe there is a little of both. It was pointed out that staff and faculty are just as much related to the issue of race as students are, and they should attend such presentations as this just like students do. Dr. Adams also pointed out that the U.S. flag, the stars and stripes, is just as much a symbol of racism as the Confederate flag because “the stars and stripes committed genocide on the Indians, and the stars and stripes took the land away from the Mexicans.” To sum up the presentation, we need to take action and come together in order to do something about the problems and troubles we face with such issues as race.
Could equality exist in a capitalist society? I believe equality could exist in a capitalist society. What Dr. Adams did not mention was greed. Greed and ambition make people strive for more money and power which is allowed in a capitalist system. Therefore, it is not capitalism that prevents equality, but the people and their human flaws that prevent equality. Greed and ambition lead people to do whatever it takes to get to the top and stay on top even at the price of another group of people.
I agree with most of what was said during the presentation. We have to realize that white people do make mistakes and people of color do have some anger. Also, we do need to come together in order to make changes and do something about the problems with race. Also, a student from the audience pointed out that the other isms must also be considered when talking about racism. The speakers agreed, and just as Johnson stated I also agree. I do not completely agree with the Confederate flag being a racist symbol though. I think that the ideas and actions of the past from a certain area, the South, have made this flag become to some a symbol of racism. However, the flag itself symbolizes the area of the old South, and then the old South, through harsh treatment of blacks, represents slavery and idea of racism.
First off, the moderator in this presentation was white and the four guest speakers appeared to be of different ethnicities, or “races.” I thought it was a little weird, or ironic that this was the situation. Anyway, one of the first major points that I got was that racism could be a conscious or an unconscious act. Also, racism is based partly on institutions such as Bowling Green State University. The first speaker, Dr. Anderson, spoke about how he views the Confederate flag as a racist symbol and that we may be placing too much emphasis on culture or habits. The second speaker, student Laura Saavedra, mentioned how race is not just black and white, and we all have a responsibility and need to raise awareness of the problems with race. She also said that in the Bowling Green State University mission statement diversity was encouraged, but due to the lack of, we need to work together to make changes. The third speaker, Dr. Chen, brought statistics showing that there is more white faculty based on percent than there should be compared to Ohio’s population census. Minorities are underrepresented at Bowling Green State University. She also said how guilt put on people dealing with race can lead to them withdrawing themselves. The final speaker, Dr. Adams, mentioned how race is structural and capitalism prevents equality. He also said that people need to be vulnerable in order for changes to be made. Whites need to be allowed to make mistakes, and people of color need to be allowed to be angry. Based on all of the speakers, Bowling Green State University has neither unity nor diversity. Maybe there is a little of both. It was pointed out that staff and faculty are just as much related to the issue of race as students are, and they should attend such presentations as this just like students do. Dr. Adams also pointed out that the U.S. flag, the stars and stripes, is just as much a symbol of racism as the Confederate flag because “the stars and stripes committed genocide on the Indians, and the stars and stripes took the land away from the Mexicans.” To sum up the presentation, we need to take action and come together in order to do something about the problems and troubles we face with such issues as race.
Could equality exist in a capitalist society? I believe equality could exist in a capitalist society. What Dr. Adams did not mention was greed. Greed and ambition make people strive for more money and power which is allowed in a capitalist system. Therefore, it is not capitalism that prevents equality, but the people and their human flaws that prevent equality. Greed and ambition lead people to do whatever it takes to get to the top and stay on top even at the price of another group of people.
I agree with most of what was said during the presentation. We have to realize that white people do make mistakes and people of color do have some anger. Also, we do need to come together in order to make changes and do something about the problems with race. Also, a student from the audience pointed out that the other isms must also be considered when talking about racism. The speakers agreed, and just as Johnson stated I also agree. I do not completely agree with the Confederate flag being a racist symbol though. I think that the ideas and actions of the past from a certain area, the South, have made this flag become to some a symbol of racism. However, the flag itself symbolizes the area of the old South, and then the old South, through harsh treatment of blacks, represents slavery and idea of racism.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Johnson Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Trouble with the Trouble
Thesis: The problem of difference and our system of privilege is a result of a lack of universality. By this, I mean that privilege is not a key issue/concern to EVERYONE. Dominant groups usually do not deal with the issue of privilege and oppression, and if they do they do not put much effort into it.
Argument/Support:
As Johnson puts it best, “Privilege has to be as much an issue for the dominant groups as it is for those who bear the brunt of the oppression it causes in everyday life,” (69). “Dominant groups don’t see privilege as a problem for various reasons,” (69). One reason is the mere fact that the dominant groups do not notice the problem. They are unaware of such a problem especially because they do not have the oppression to face daily. Another reason why they do not see privilege as a problem is that they do not need to unless a serious event alters the flow of things. Dominant groups also may see privilege as a personal problem. They think, “If other people get less, it’s up to them to do something about it,” (70). Dominant groups do not want to lose their privilege either. When someone has something good why let it go? A final reason why dominant groups do not see privilege as a problem is because they fear being blamed for the problem and experiencing a guilty conscience. Johnson mentions and explains two strategies for communicating to the dominant groups. The first strategy is the “tin cup” approach, which depends on an impulse of generosity toward others (72). However, most people are not very willing to help those that need help. The second strategy is the “business case” approach, which emphasizes doing something about privilege and oppression because it makes organizations work better (73). This strategy depends on the results-if organizations really do work better or not. Privileged groups must view the problem as their own so that they feel the need to do something to change it. They need that “reason to feel committed to change,” (75). Barriers need to be removed across difference and we all have to realize that we are all a part of privilege in order to change the trouble with privilege.
Personal Response/Question:
As I asked before, “When someone has something good why let it go?” Privileged groups should be willing to give up their privilege for society and the future of society. Their children may one day be part of an oppressed group if the system of privilege continues. To not be willing to give it up would be natural, but also selfish and greedy. Sometimes players have to make sacrifices for the team. We are all involved in this system of privilege and we are all in this together, so we need to change.
We need to convince everyone to work together somehow. During any natural disasters or similar event there seems to be more of a sense of unity in the country as a whole. However, soon after that unity disappears again. Everyone is in this together. Dominant groups have to see that if the oppressed groups go down, then they go down too. Not recognizing the trouble in privilege is a serious issue and may lead to long term disaster. We need to find a great persuasive speaker and have him/her convince everyone to join together in order to be able to save our society from the trouble of privilege.
Thesis: The problem of difference and our system of privilege is a result of a lack of universality. By this, I mean that privilege is not a key issue/concern to EVERYONE. Dominant groups usually do not deal with the issue of privilege and oppression, and if they do they do not put much effort into it.
Argument/Support:
As Johnson puts it best, “Privilege has to be as much an issue for the dominant groups as it is for those who bear the brunt of the oppression it causes in everyday life,” (69). “Dominant groups don’t see privilege as a problem for various reasons,” (69). One reason is the mere fact that the dominant groups do not notice the problem. They are unaware of such a problem especially because they do not have the oppression to face daily. Another reason why they do not see privilege as a problem is that they do not need to unless a serious event alters the flow of things. Dominant groups also may see privilege as a personal problem. They think, “If other people get less, it’s up to them to do something about it,” (70). Dominant groups do not want to lose their privilege either. When someone has something good why let it go? A final reason why dominant groups do not see privilege as a problem is because they fear being blamed for the problem and experiencing a guilty conscience. Johnson mentions and explains two strategies for communicating to the dominant groups. The first strategy is the “tin cup” approach, which depends on an impulse of generosity toward others (72). However, most people are not very willing to help those that need help. The second strategy is the “business case” approach, which emphasizes doing something about privilege and oppression because it makes organizations work better (73). This strategy depends on the results-if organizations really do work better or not. Privileged groups must view the problem as their own so that they feel the need to do something to change it. They need that “reason to feel committed to change,” (75). Barriers need to be removed across difference and we all have to realize that we are all a part of privilege in order to change the trouble with privilege.
Personal Response/Question:
As I asked before, “When someone has something good why let it go?” Privileged groups should be willing to give up their privilege for society and the future of society. Their children may one day be part of an oppressed group if the system of privilege continues. To not be willing to give it up would be natural, but also selfish and greedy. Sometimes players have to make sacrifices for the team. We are all involved in this system of privilege and we are all in this together, so we need to change.
We need to convince everyone to work together somehow. During any natural disasters or similar event there seems to be more of a sense of unity in the country as a whole. However, soon after that unity disappears again. Everyone is in this together. Dominant groups have to see that if the oppressed groups go down, then they go down too. Not recognizing the trouble in privilege is a serious issue and may lead to long term disaster. We need to find a great persuasive speaker and have him/her convince everyone to join together in order to be able to save our society from the trouble of privilege.
Johnson Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Making Privilege Happen
Thesis: People, or individuals, create the privilege that is attached to certain groups.
Argument/Support:
Johnson states that people make privilege by what they do or don’t do in relation to others, and discrimination is often a factor in this process (54). People view and treat others based on the social categories that they appear to be associated with. “Privilege happens through what people think and feel and do because discrimination is connected to these directly,” (55). People want and feel the need to be seen and accepted by others. “Inclusion and acceptance are key aspects of privilege,” (55). Many small actions show whether we welcome someone or not. If I were to look at a person while I spoke to them, then I am welcoming him. If I were to not do this for another person, then I displayed privilege to the first person and not to the second. Even if one’s intentions were not bad, others may feel and experience a sense of oppression. Therefore, one may create his/her own privilege or oppression. Individuals have created racism in America. One’s skin color is defined to determine one’s race, and blacks are the social category that is most oppressed due to racism. Johnson says that blacks may feel vulnerable to judgment daily because of their race and racism causes many to “see the worst” in blacks instead of the best (57). “Racism requires hypocrisy toward deeply held cultural values of fairness, decency, and justice,” (62). Even though cultural history has shown fairness to all, people still do not deal with difference well by discriminating against those of a different skin color. However, the trouble of privilege is not just on the blacks. The trouble is with everyone because everyone is part of one group or another, whether it be a privileged group or oppressed group. This means that everyone can do something about this trouble of privilege also. Individuals are all associated with certain groups and these groups therefore have the burden of the trouble placed on them as a whole too. “Much of the trouble is embedded in structures of power and inequality that shape almost every aspect of life in this society,” (66). Everyone has to come together and face this trouble as a society in order to change it.
Personal Response/Question:
Is privilege created more by the privileged as opposed to by the oppressed? Are privilege groups at fault for the trouble that exists? I believe that privilege can be created by any individual or group disregarding whether privileged or oppressed. Privileged people may be seen as “at fault” or “the bad guys” but some may have good intentions that are taken the wrong way. Yes, several privileged individuals want all the power, control, and superiority at whatever cost, but some do care about those that are oppressed. In order to change the problem of privilege though, everyone is needed because everyone is involved.
Everyone makes privilege happen in one way or another. Sometimes it may be unintentional, but that does not take the trouble away. I do not think it is very likely that the trouble of privilege will ever be fixed. I do hope for a better tomorrow though, one in which our children do not judge based on color and every person is given somewhat equal opportunity. Just this would be a huge step to take, but it is very possible if everyone comes together and wants the trouble to change. Some people, mostly the privileged, may not want any changes because they do not have to deal with oppression daily. Everyone needs to want to change the trouble in order to try to change it.
Thesis: People, or individuals, create the privilege that is attached to certain groups.
Argument/Support:
Johnson states that people make privilege by what they do or don’t do in relation to others, and discrimination is often a factor in this process (54). People view and treat others based on the social categories that they appear to be associated with. “Privilege happens through what people think and feel and do because discrimination is connected to these directly,” (55). People want and feel the need to be seen and accepted by others. “Inclusion and acceptance are key aspects of privilege,” (55). Many small actions show whether we welcome someone or not. If I were to look at a person while I spoke to them, then I am welcoming him. If I were to not do this for another person, then I displayed privilege to the first person and not to the second. Even if one’s intentions were not bad, others may feel and experience a sense of oppression. Therefore, one may create his/her own privilege or oppression. Individuals have created racism in America. One’s skin color is defined to determine one’s race, and blacks are the social category that is most oppressed due to racism. Johnson says that blacks may feel vulnerable to judgment daily because of their race and racism causes many to “see the worst” in blacks instead of the best (57). “Racism requires hypocrisy toward deeply held cultural values of fairness, decency, and justice,” (62). Even though cultural history has shown fairness to all, people still do not deal with difference well by discriminating against those of a different skin color. However, the trouble of privilege is not just on the blacks. The trouble is with everyone because everyone is part of one group or another, whether it be a privileged group or oppressed group. This means that everyone can do something about this trouble of privilege also. Individuals are all associated with certain groups and these groups therefore have the burden of the trouble placed on them as a whole too. “Much of the trouble is embedded in structures of power and inequality that shape almost every aspect of life in this society,” (66). Everyone has to come together and face this trouble as a society in order to change it.
Personal Response/Question:
Is privilege created more by the privileged as opposed to by the oppressed? Are privilege groups at fault for the trouble that exists? I believe that privilege can be created by any individual or group disregarding whether privileged or oppressed. Privileged people may be seen as “at fault” or “the bad guys” but some may have good intentions that are taken the wrong way. Yes, several privileged individuals want all the power, control, and superiority at whatever cost, but some do care about those that are oppressed. In order to change the problem of privilege though, everyone is needed because everyone is involved.
Everyone makes privilege happen in one way or another. Sometimes it may be unintentional, but that does not take the trouble away. I do not think it is very likely that the trouble of privilege will ever be fixed. I do hope for a better tomorrow though, one in which our children do not judge based on color and every person is given somewhat equal opportunity. Just this would be a huge step to take, but it is very possible if everyone comes together and wants the trouble to change. Some people, mostly the privileged, may not want any changes because they do not have to deal with oppression daily. Everyone needs to want to change the trouble in order to try to change it.
Johnson Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Capitalism, Class, and the Matrix of Domination
Thesis: Capitalism and economic systems are major reasons for the problems that our society has to face with differences, especially concerning race.
Argument/Support:
“Economic systems are the source of wealth, they are also the basis for every social institution, since social institutions cannot survive without an economic basis,” (42). Race is socially constructed, from these social institutions. Therefore, economic systems created and continue the idea of race. It is all a “matter of economics,” (42). Capitalism is based on profit or making more money regardless of whether it is obtained with good morals or not. There is no way to tell from “good” money and “bad” money (42). In a system of capitalism the upper class basically controls the lower class because they own the places of employment where the lower class has to work. The upper class has allowed greed to cover morals as seen in the past with extremely cheap labor in order to maximize personal profit. “The dynamics of capitalism produce high and increasing levels of inequality,” (43). The richest people hold more and more of the wealth, and gaps are only increasing between income, wealth, and power. The lower class of people have to suffer because of capitalism and compete against one another in order to survive. Our society is a “zero-sum society” because “one person’s gain is always someone else’s loss,” (45). Just a couple centuries ago the white men of the “New America” advanced economically in society only through the enslavement of blacks. Similarly, Chinese and Japanese immigrants went through harsh labor conditions to try to make ends meet in America. “Whites used a combination of conquest, genocide, and insincere treaties to get what they wanted and justified their actions by an idea of whiteness defining a privileged social category,” (46). Capitalism thus creates differences in class and privileges the upper class. Also, capitalism has allowed whites, males, and heterosexuals to be privileged as well. To change the trouble in our capitalist system of privilege we must do something about all types of privilege because they are all related and cannot be separated as described by the “matrix of domination,” (52).
Personal Response/Question:
How did the phrase “Manifest Destiny” and the actions that resulted from it justify and support capitalism? The phrase “Manifest Destiny” was used to show that the U.S. was destined to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. This turned into the expansion of the whites, and all other people of different skin colors were just “used” by the white people for their own benefit. “Destiny” in a sense justified capitalism and supported it by making any actions okay as long as they involved westward expansion.
I feel that certain negative effects of capitalism may far outweigh the positive effects. Capitalism increases inequality and puts too much power in the hands of the upper class. Difference in class and class privilege is related to all forms of privilege, therefore making the trouble harder to overcome. Capitalism can produce good profit and a seemingly good economy, but should it give more privilege to the already privileged groups?
Thesis: Capitalism and economic systems are major reasons for the problems that our society has to face with differences, especially concerning race.
Argument/Support:
“Economic systems are the source of wealth, they are also the basis for every social institution, since social institutions cannot survive without an economic basis,” (42). Race is socially constructed, from these social institutions. Therefore, economic systems created and continue the idea of race. It is all a “matter of economics,” (42). Capitalism is based on profit or making more money regardless of whether it is obtained with good morals or not. There is no way to tell from “good” money and “bad” money (42). In a system of capitalism the upper class basically controls the lower class because they own the places of employment where the lower class has to work. The upper class has allowed greed to cover morals as seen in the past with extremely cheap labor in order to maximize personal profit. “The dynamics of capitalism produce high and increasing levels of inequality,” (43). The richest people hold more and more of the wealth, and gaps are only increasing between income, wealth, and power. The lower class of people have to suffer because of capitalism and compete against one another in order to survive. Our society is a “zero-sum society” because “one person’s gain is always someone else’s loss,” (45). Just a couple centuries ago the white men of the “New America” advanced economically in society only through the enslavement of blacks. Similarly, Chinese and Japanese immigrants went through harsh labor conditions to try to make ends meet in America. “Whites used a combination of conquest, genocide, and insincere treaties to get what they wanted and justified their actions by an idea of whiteness defining a privileged social category,” (46). Capitalism thus creates differences in class and privileges the upper class. Also, capitalism has allowed whites, males, and heterosexuals to be privileged as well. To change the trouble in our capitalist system of privilege we must do something about all types of privilege because they are all related and cannot be separated as described by the “matrix of domination,” (52).
Personal Response/Question:
How did the phrase “Manifest Destiny” and the actions that resulted from it justify and support capitalism? The phrase “Manifest Destiny” was used to show that the U.S. was destined to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. This turned into the expansion of the whites, and all other people of different skin colors were just “used” by the white people for their own benefit. “Destiny” in a sense justified capitalism and supported it by making any actions okay as long as they involved westward expansion.
I feel that certain negative effects of capitalism may far outweigh the positive effects. Capitalism increases inequality and puts too much power in the hands of the upper class. Difference in class and class privilege is related to all forms of privilege, therefore making the trouble harder to overcome. Capitalism can produce good profit and a seemingly good economy, but should it give more privilege to the already privileged groups?
Johnson Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Privilege, Oppression, and Difference
Thesis: We are in trouble, and we need to find the best way to deal with the present problem of difference before passing it on to future generations. Power and privilege are the real problems. People fear talking about or acknowledging privilege and power because of the chance that it might make them, associated with a certain group, uncomfortable.
Argument/Support:
“The trouble that surrounds difference is really about privilege and power (12).” Dominant groups in society rarely talk about power and privilege because it may cause an uncomfortable state for them. “The fear keeps us from looking at what’s going on and makes it impossible to do anything about the reality that lies deeper down (12).” We learn how to associate people with groups and we learn to view people certain ways. Therefore, “The problem is our ideas about what we don’t know (13).” Diversity is present and always will be, but the differences in social characteristics means nothing. Okay, it means something, but it tells us nothing about the actual person it is “supposed to” represent. Perception is key in this world because how people perceive you determines how they treat you, what group(s) you will be placed in, and what opportunities and rewards you may get. “The trouble is produced by a world organized in ways that encourage people to use difference to include or exclude, reward or punish, credit or discredit, elevate or oppress, value or devalue, leave alone or harass (16).” People assume too much and are quick to judge, or form impressions based on what they see, and then they use their impressions to compare people to themselves or others. Any difference, even a small one, might place one group of people lower and another group higher and in the dominant position. Social construction affects the way people think and form conclusions. “most of what we experience as ‘real’ is a cultural creation…it’s made up (17).” What people learn through their life creates an image and idea of what “normal” is even though there is no definition for “normal.” The dominant group takes on the “responsibility” of defining in their own way what is or should be normal. Language can define people as part of a group and can create a sense of inferiority. We often think that our culture is right, or what our culture defines as normal is normal no matter what others have to say. In terms of privilege some created groups are privileged while other groups are the opposite, oppressed. As long as the privileged groups are still privileged then they see no need for change. “The most visible consequences of privilege is the uneven distribution of jobs, wealth, and income and all that goes with it (32).” Those that are privileged have choices, when those that are oppressed do not have choices. Privilege is, however, created by people and only represents those perceived as being part of a certain group, and the only thing that matters is what people think of you and not who you actually are. Therefore, individuals of a privileged or oppressed group are not all the same and cannot be classified with similar characteristics because the groups they belong to are created by society and not on any factual information from the individuals.
Key Concepts:
Difference- not the problem, but contains the trouble. People view difference as a means of separation and grouping. Differences in social characteristics place people in different groups. However, differences do not really say anything except for that single trait about an individual.
Privilege- “when one group has something of value that is denied to others simply because of the groups they belong to, rather than because of anything they’ve done or failed to do (21).” Privilege is present daily, where the privileged groups are more likely to end up with something good. Unequal distribution of wealth and resources is the result of privilege. “Privilege increases the odds of having things your own way (33),” and it also results in having more choice. “To have privilege is to be allowed to move through your life without being marked in ways that identify you as an outsider (33).”
Two Types of Privilege (22-23) –
1. “unearned entitlements” or the “things of value that all people should have.” Examples are feeling safe in public and working in a place where you feel you belong.
2. “conferred dominance” or when one group has power over another group. Examples are when a boy is called “mama’s boy” or when a man is labeled “whipped.” These titles come from cultural assumptions though.
Oppression- the opposite of privilege. Groups are considered oppressed only if there is a group that is privileged, in order for there to be a counter.
Social Construction- a fake reality created by the society. Based on human assumptions and perceptions, there are created groups of privilege and oppression. People are placed into groups based on comparison and what others “think” they are, but not even necessarily who they really are.
Privilege as Paradox (34-35) – “Granting of privilege has nothing to do with who those individuals are as people.” Individuals get privileges based on the way others perceive them, and by being placed in a privileged group. Just because one is part of a privileged group does not mean that happiness will come to this person. Life choices allow for the privileged to squander what they have and end up below the oppressed. However, a white, heterosexual male is still just that even if he wasted his life savings away. He is still part of three privileged groups just listed.
Thesis: We are in trouble, and we need to find the best way to deal with the present problem of difference before passing it on to future generations. Power and privilege are the real problems. People fear talking about or acknowledging privilege and power because of the chance that it might make them, associated with a certain group, uncomfortable.
Argument/Support:
“The trouble that surrounds difference is really about privilege and power (12).” Dominant groups in society rarely talk about power and privilege because it may cause an uncomfortable state for them. “The fear keeps us from looking at what’s going on and makes it impossible to do anything about the reality that lies deeper down (12).” We learn how to associate people with groups and we learn to view people certain ways. Therefore, “The problem is our ideas about what we don’t know (13).” Diversity is present and always will be, but the differences in social characteristics means nothing. Okay, it means something, but it tells us nothing about the actual person it is “supposed to” represent. Perception is key in this world because how people perceive you determines how they treat you, what group(s) you will be placed in, and what opportunities and rewards you may get. “The trouble is produced by a world organized in ways that encourage people to use difference to include or exclude, reward or punish, credit or discredit, elevate or oppress, value or devalue, leave alone or harass (16).” People assume too much and are quick to judge, or form impressions based on what they see, and then they use their impressions to compare people to themselves or others. Any difference, even a small one, might place one group of people lower and another group higher and in the dominant position. Social construction affects the way people think and form conclusions. “most of what we experience as ‘real’ is a cultural creation…it’s made up (17).” What people learn through their life creates an image and idea of what “normal” is even though there is no definition for “normal.” The dominant group takes on the “responsibility” of defining in their own way what is or should be normal. Language can define people as part of a group and can create a sense of inferiority. We often think that our culture is right, or what our culture defines as normal is normal no matter what others have to say. In terms of privilege some created groups are privileged while other groups are the opposite, oppressed. As long as the privileged groups are still privileged then they see no need for change. “The most visible consequences of privilege is the uneven distribution of jobs, wealth, and income and all that goes with it (32).” Those that are privileged have choices, when those that are oppressed do not have choices. Privilege is, however, created by people and only represents those perceived as being part of a certain group, and the only thing that matters is what people think of you and not who you actually are. Therefore, individuals of a privileged or oppressed group are not all the same and cannot be classified with similar characteristics because the groups they belong to are created by society and not on any factual information from the individuals.
Key Concepts:
Difference- not the problem, but contains the trouble. People view difference as a means of separation and grouping. Differences in social characteristics place people in different groups. However, differences do not really say anything except for that single trait about an individual.
Privilege- “when one group has something of value that is denied to others simply because of the groups they belong to, rather than because of anything they’ve done or failed to do (21).” Privilege is present daily, where the privileged groups are more likely to end up with something good. Unequal distribution of wealth and resources is the result of privilege. “Privilege increases the odds of having things your own way (33),” and it also results in having more choice. “To have privilege is to be allowed to move through your life without being marked in ways that identify you as an outsider (33).”
Two Types of Privilege (22-23) –
1. “unearned entitlements” or the “things of value that all people should have.” Examples are feeling safe in public and working in a place where you feel you belong.
2. “conferred dominance” or when one group has power over another group. Examples are when a boy is called “mama’s boy” or when a man is labeled “whipped.” These titles come from cultural assumptions though.
Oppression- the opposite of privilege. Groups are considered oppressed only if there is a group that is privileged, in order for there to be a counter.
Social Construction- a fake reality created by the society. Based on human assumptions and perceptions, there are created groups of privilege and oppression. People are placed into groups based on comparison and what others “think” they are, but not even necessarily who they really are.
Privilege as Paradox (34-35) – “Granting of privilege has nothing to do with who those individuals are as people.” Individuals get privileges based on the way others perceive them, and by being placed in a privileged group. Just because one is part of a privileged group does not mean that happiness will come to this person. Life choices allow for the privileged to squander what they have and end up below the oppressed. However, a white, heterosexual male is still just that even if he wasted his life savings away. He is still part of three privileged groups just listed.
Johnson Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Rodney King’s Question
Thesis: “Can’t we all just get along (1)?” No.
Argument/Support:
Not everyone can manage to get along with everyone else. Racism and its effects are everywhere, and create “the problem of the color line.” Words such as “racism” must be used because “if we dispense with the words, we make it impossible to talk about what’s really going on and what it has to do with us,” (2). Color is not the only issue that makes it hard for people to get along. “Differences in gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and numerous lesser divides,” all lead to people not getting along (2). Male domination, daily used stereotypes, discrimination, and inferior classification of certain groups does not display a peaceful and friendly society. “Human nature” is used by many as the reason for us not getting along, because people fear the unfamiliar and think that there is only one acceptable group such as white, heterosexual, “able” people (3). We, as a part of society, are in trouble. We cannot get along as a society… as a whole. People accept some into their group, yet deny others the chance. “You’d think we could treat one another with decency and respect,” and in this sense “get along” (5). Something prevents everyone from getting along though…difference, power, and privilege. An example of this would be the difference between a male and a female. Males are privileged in our society and therefore have more power. Females must suffer from this male privilege and power though. “A female’s misfortune is connected to a male’s good fortune,” (7). Females have to deal with sexism, whereas males do not. Males must recognize sexism and know that it exists even though they may think it does not exist just because they do not have to deal with it. “The trouble we’re in privileges some groups at the expense of others…It sets people against one another,” (7). This means that everyone is involved in this “trouble” or “problem,” and everyone can then be part of the solution. People in the privileged groups cannot leave it up to the others to fix this problem because it is a system of privilege that our society has adapted and defined through history and the effort of those privileged is needed also. It may be quite easy to not think much about privilege when one is part of the dominant group, but people of dominant groups are part of the solution.
Personal Response/Question:
“Someone, after all, has to be on top,” (3). Is this what our society is based on? Greed, wealth, and power are three of the most popular nouns describing what most people wish for and strive for. Our society is too selfish and we need to start being unselfish. We do not need someone on top. We could do fine with everyone being on the same level. The only problem is that we have had someone on top for so long that we do not know how to successfully lower them and heighten the bottom people to reach an equilibrium.
I agree with Johnson when he says that we cannot all just get along. I think that the people that are most privileged and have most of the power and wealth will not be willing to reach any sort of compromise to “level the playing field.” If you are on top why would you want anything to change? As Johnson mentioned, our future starts now and generations to come will learn to adapt our system of privilege and if anything make it worse if we do not take action to change it. Everyone is part of the problem and solution, so act now to change the future.
Thesis: “Can’t we all just get along (1)?” No.
Argument/Support:
Not everyone can manage to get along with everyone else. Racism and its effects are everywhere, and create “the problem of the color line.” Words such as “racism” must be used because “if we dispense with the words, we make it impossible to talk about what’s really going on and what it has to do with us,” (2). Color is not the only issue that makes it hard for people to get along. “Differences in gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and numerous lesser divides,” all lead to people not getting along (2). Male domination, daily used stereotypes, discrimination, and inferior classification of certain groups does not display a peaceful and friendly society. “Human nature” is used by many as the reason for us not getting along, because people fear the unfamiliar and think that there is only one acceptable group such as white, heterosexual, “able” people (3). We, as a part of society, are in trouble. We cannot get along as a society… as a whole. People accept some into their group, yet deny others the chance. “You’d think we could treat one another with decency and respect,” and in this sense “get along” (5). Something prevents everyone from getting along though…difference, power, and privilege. An example of this would be the difference between a male and a female. Males are privileged in our society and therefore have more power. Females must suffer from this male privilege and power though. “A female’s misfortune is connected to a male’s good fortune,” (7). Females have to deal with sexism, whereas males do not. Males must recognize sexism and know that it exists even though they may think it does not exist just because they do not have to deal with it. “The trouble we’re in privileges some groups at the expense of others…It sets people against one another,” (7). This means that everyone is involved in this “trouble” or “problem,” and everyone can then be part of the solution. People in the privileged groups cannot leave it up to the others to fix this problem because it is a system of privilege that our society has adapted and defined through history and the effort of those privileged is needed also. It may be quite easy to not think much about privilege when one is part of the dominant group, but people of dominant groups are part of the solution.
Personal Response/Question:
“Someone, after all, has to be on top,” (3). Is this what our society is based on? Greed, wealth, and power are three of the most popular nouns describing what most people wish for and strive for. Our society is too selfish and we need to start being unselfish. We do not need someone on top. We could do fine with everyone being on the same level. The only problem is that we have had someone on top for so long that we do not know how to successfully lower them and heighten the bottom people to reach an equilibrium.
I agree with Johnson when he says that we cannot all just get along. I think that the people that are most privileged and have most of the power and wealth will not be willing to reach any sort of compromise to “level the playing field.” If you are on top why would you want anything to change? As Johnson mentioned, our future starts now and generations to come will learn to adapt our system of privilege and if anything make it worse if we do not take action to change it. Everyone is part of the problem and solution, so act now to change the future.
Emigrants from Erin
In Chapter 6: “Emigrants from Erin” Takaki concludes that some Irish were forced to move to America and compared to the blacks, but they were able to advance in society.
“In the Age of Jackson blacks suddenly were competing with Irish workers,” (139). The Irish had white skin though, which was thought to “privilege” them and place them above the blacks. At first the Irish did not want to leave their homeland. “The Irish viewed themselves as a people driven from their beloved homeland by ‘English tyranny,’ and they were merely British slaves. The poverty of Ireland was also caused by English colonial policies,” (140). The English were once to the Irish as the whites were to the blacks. The Irish and the blacks were slaves, forced away from their homeland, and were used for the improvement of another group of people. At one time in Ireland, “the British colonialism and its emphasis on exports had reduced the Irish people to extremely harsh living conditions,” (141). “However, progress for landlords meant pauperization for the peasants,” (142). Irish began wanting to move to America, or the “Land of Promise.” Instead of living in horrible conditions and as slaves they wanted to have a better life… possibly in America? They wanted to escape the tyranny, oppression, and poorness. Some poor Irish that stayed in their homeland survived on potatoes, but when the Great Famine came conditions only got worse. More Irish emigrated to America in order to avoid death. Coming to America, the Irish experienced traumatic conditions like black slaves had experienced on slave ships and about 20% died on the journey or right after (145). The Irish soon became like blacks and were slaves to the other whites because of the hard labor they did every day for the whites. “The Irish had high accident rates, for they were frequently assigned to the hazardous jobs that other whites did not want to do,” (147). “Irish laborers were thought nothing of more than dogs,” (147). They were placed below the blacks because black slaves had a certain value, but an Irish person did not have any value to the landowners. However, the Irish and blacks were both viewed as outcasts and savages and of very low intelligence (149). Soon the Irish began getting more opportunities. Irish children began to be educated to avoid “falling back to a savage life” and the Irish used their whiteness against the blacks. “They sought to become insiders, or Americans, by claiming their membership as whites,” (151). Also, the Irish were seen to assimilate rapidly, were already Christians, had white skin, and spoke English, making it easier for them to become citizens. So, the Irish first experienced a nightmare in America, but soon went from “rags to riches,” (163).
Were the English really the bad guys or the good guys? Of course, perspective plays a major role in this decision. To the English, they were probably just making things great for themselves, and their people. However, I feel the English were bad guys…bullies. They took land from the Irish and left many laborers jobless. When the British put emphasis on exports, about 90% of laborers were then not needed. The Irish saw the English as “savage tyrants,” (140). They appear to be just as savage as Irish or blacks.
I thought that it was quite interesting how similar early America and Ireland were. The Irish were like the Indians and blacks of America. I also noticed too cases of true irony: 1. The Irish were treated like dogs, below everyone, but advanced to being only below the other whites. 2. The Irish were oppressed in Ireland and then oppressed the blacks in America. That’s what we should not do-bring others down because we were once down.
“In the Age of Jackson blacks suddenly were competing with Irish workers,” (139). The Irish had white skin though, which was thought to “privilege” them and place them above the blacks. At first the Irish did not want to leave their homeland. “The Irish viewed themselves as a people driven from their beloved homeland by ‘English tyranny,’ and they were merely British slaves. The poverty of Ireland was also caused by English colonial policies,” (140). The English were once to the Irish as the whites were to the blacks. The Irish and the blacks were slaves, forced away from their homeland, and were used for the improvement of another group of people. At one time in Ireland, “the British colonialism and its emphasis on exports had reduced the Irish people to extremely harsh living conditions,” (141). “However, progress for landlords meant pauperization for the peasants,” (142). Irish began wanting to move to America, or the “Land of Promise.” Instead of living in horrible conditions and as slaves they wanted to have a better life… possibly in America? They wanted to escape the tyranny, oppression, and poorness. Some poor Irish that stayed in their homeland survived on potatoes, but when the Great Famine came conditions only got worse. More Irish emigrated to America in order to avoid death. Coming to America, the Irish experienced traumatic conditions like black slaves had experienced on slave ships and about 20% died on the journey or right after (145). The Irish soon became like blacks and were slaves to the other whites because of the hard labor they did every day for the whites. “The Irish had high accident rates, for they were frequently assigned to the hazardous jobs that other whites did not want to do,” (147). “Irish laborers were thought nothing of more than dogs,” (147). They were placed below the blacks because black slaves had a certain value, but an Irish person did not have any value to the landowners. However, the Irish and blacks were both viewed as outcasts and savages and of very low intelligence (149). Soon the Irish began getting more opportunities. Irish children began to be educated to avoid “falling back to a savage life” and the Irish used their whiteness against the blacks. “They sought to become insiders, or Americans, by claiming their membership as whites,” (151). Also, the Irish were seen to assimilate rapidly, were already Christians, had white skin, and spoke English, making it easier for them to become citizens. So, the Irish first experienced a nightmare in America, but soon went from “rags to riches,” (163).
Were the English really the bad guys or the good guys? Of course, perspective plays a major role in this decision. To the English, they were probably just making things great for themselves, and their people. However, I feel the English were bad guys…bullies. They took land from the Irish and left many laborers jobless. When the British put emphasis on exports, about 90% of laborers were then not needed. The Irish saw the English as “savage tyrants,” (140). They appear to be just as savage as Irish or blacks.
I thought that it was quite interesting how similar early America and Ireland were. The Irish were like the Indians and blacks of America. I also noticed too cases of true irony: 1. The Irish were treated like dogs, below everyone, but advanced to being only below the other whites. 2. The Irish were oppressed in Ireland and then oppressed the blacks in America. That’s what we should not do-bring others down because we were once down.
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