Racism A Historical And Social Construct - 1815 Words

Racism: A Historical and Social Construct in America â€Å"Racism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others. Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear or hatred of others in times of conflict, [or] war, the fight for civil rights, and during economic downturns† (Shah). Racism has evolved throughout the years, yet still remains pervasive and highly oppressive. We are taught at an early age that we are all created equal, however as people grow, many tend to believe otherwise. This semester, our textbook has shown us racism taking root in our country from the day Columbus arrived, well into the 1830’s, and has provided principles that are still relevant today. Throughout the years covered in our reading assignments, David Walker’s â€Å"An Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World,† William Apess’ â€Å"An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the Whi te Man,† Christopher Columbus’ â€Å"Letter of Columbus,† and Samson Occom’s â€Å"A Short Life Narrative,† all works provide personal accounts demonstrating the growth of racism in America ranging from the years 1451 to 1829. When Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to what is now known as the Americas, an opportunity presented itself for the cultures of both Europe and the Americas to flourish. The result of his so called â€Å"discovery† was neither glorious nor heroic in the eyes of many Natives andShow MoreRelated Racism: A Historical and Social Construct in America Essay2951 Words   |  12 PagesRacism, will it ever end? The answer is probably not. The United States of America was set up on the basis of race. Even many years ago European settlers looked down upon the Native Americans as inferior. Years later in today’s modern society, racism still exists, although we may not fully realize it. Many people are not aware of how much racism still exists in our schools workforces, and anywhere else where social lives are occurring. Using our sociological imagination, we are capable of applyingRead MoreThe Works Of Richard Robbins : Global Problem And The Culture Of Capitalism1268 Wo rds   |  6 Pagesand historical references. Through reading and analyzing these works along with our class lectures it has become apparent that there is a clear relationship between these systems. Capitalism causes and enforces systems of inequality and privilege. Capitalism is able to do this through the construct of social reality, the matrix of capitalist domination: segmentation of class, gender, and race, and through the manipulation of society by capitalistic culture. To begin, the construct of social realityRead MoreEssay about Excerpt of The Morphing of Whiteness in America706 Words   |  3 Pagesrepresents the racial categorization of â€Å"white†. Vacillating between racial portrayals of â€Å"whiteness†, embodying a divergence between the fluidity of historic and social transformation and a disingenuous reflection of bigotry, disrespect, and intolerance, Duster distinguishes race as a compilation of divergent biochemical, neurological, and social identities (Duster n.d.). Cognizant of concessions shown to the â€Å"white† race, Duster denotes an inevitability to refute the moral reality of â€Å"white’ exclusivityRead MoreThe Differences Between Race And Race869 Words   |  4 Pagesexists only as a sort of construct that humans create in order to classify each other and make assumptions based upon these classifications. In many ways, this assertion holds merit. For instance, recent scientific evidence point s to numerous physiological similarities between races, and these similarities discredit the ideals of ‘scientific racism’. However, despite the new anthropological interpretation of race’s ability to deflect the principles of scientific or ‘real’ racism, this definition alsoRead MoreRacism And Racism Essay971 Words   |  4 PagesIs it racism or economics which hinders many African American communities from progressing economically in the 21st Century? This research proposal will address this question by examining the social and psychological impact caused by racism and the economic impact it’s had on the African American community. This proposal will further investigate whether the emotional scars of slavery continue to hamper African American progress or if racism is actually the cause. The economic cost of discriminationRead MoreRole of Racial Categories in the United States1599 Words   |  6 Pagesor not black enough by people with various agendas attached to their concept of black Americans. The public perception of Obama, and Obamas reaction to that perception, is interesting, because many people in America have become complacent about racism. While the 20th century was a time of significant racial conflict, in which many times oppressed groups of people were rising up against oppressors, in a wide range of political movements, the 21st century has been less vocal about racial oppressionRead MoreIs Homelessness Not Just A Problem?1714 Words   |  7 Pageschallenge to social justice. Through the tenets of the Critical Race Theory, it’s been statistically qualified and quantified that minority groups are frequently targeted and suffer from socioeconomic neglect, resulting in homelessness. The Lack of equal access to supportive political policies, as well as, economics, healthcare, mental health care, and other resources that are vital to survival. Yet this group of people continue to display resilience. It’s the civic duty of the social worker communit yRead MoreSociological Theories Of Prejudice And Racism1645 Words   |  7 PagesSociological Theories of Prejudice and Racism Functionalist theory argues for race and ethnic relations to be functional and thus supply to the melodic conduct and strength of society, racial and ethnic minorities must assimilate into that society. Assimilation is a process by which a minority becomes socially, economically, and culturally absorbed within the dominant society. The assimilation perspective assumes that to become fully fledged members of society, alternative groups must adopt as muchRead MoreA Brief Note On Social Construction Of Race Essay1378 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Construction of Race One of the social reforms that are argued to have been achieved by the contemporary society is acknowledged that all people within the society are equal irrespective of some socio-cultural differences such as race. The view that all persons are equal is ingrained in the society and supported by an array of a legal framework. One of the supporting legal frameworks is the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts that all persons must be treated with equalityRead MoreTeaching Freedom : Education For Liberation953 Words   |  4 Pagesby giving me insight on an array of pedagogical principles in liberatory education. From citizenship schools, to freedom schools, to African-centered institution the encouragement of conscientization and collaboration led to a breaking dominate constructs and being autonomous. As I reflected on the text, I began to consider what the meaning of knowledge, what it really is and how the use of knowledge is political and powerful. The goal of liberatory education is provoke a shift in dominant paradigms