The Lessons We Learn In Our Families and Those We Learn In School
I found this chapter in the book to be interesting as well as somewhat frsutrating. The chapter implies that all the stereotypes, all the negative connotations, indeed, the very interactions we invovle ourselves in daily, are all based on learning. We are influenced from a very young age to think certain thoughts about people, to perceive them in a particular fashion. This seems to be the underlying theme of the book itself; our perceptions are based on the perceptions of society and, thus, we are constantly driven by how society views a group, class, race, etc. This is not a false statement; going beyond the boundaries of politcal correctness and equality, we are influenced to buy certain things, wear particular clothes, fix our hair in some popular manner, among other facets of the media. If these blatant advertisements are driven into our heads, then it seems more than likely that we will absorb a certain perception of people in our society if subtle information is passed onto us from a very young age from our parents and relatives. This is much more concrete than what we see on TV.
The first section of the chapter, "Socialization in Families", illustrates the most prevalent way in which we absorb our predispositions. It is with our intimates that our greatest trust is placed; they are the source of our comfort and we believe everything they say. Eventually, autonomy takes hold but views that are absorbed as children are defintiely difficult to shake. We will not easily be swayed from our positions. When we enter school, however, a new influence takes control: Peers. We see what is popular among friends and tend to take on their views of situations. Because we become integrated into schools, we see a wide varitey of perspectives, many of which are far different from our own. People come together and a collective opinion of certain stratifications (race, class, gender, etc.) is assessed. However, because the differences in opinion are so vast, hopefully students will open their eyes to a broader approach.
One aspect of the chapter that stuck out to me was Newman's quote on how it is less necessary for an advantaged individual to be integrated into society. I agree with this opinion; obviously if a kid is white upper class and grows up in an environment in which other kids are of the same standing, it will be easier for him to establish an identity than one who is outside the same social constructs. On the other hand, Newman includes in his text that certain schools are looking to make way for same-sex education. One view on this, in the case of females, is that if they go to all-girl schools, they will develop assertiveness, confidence, and ambition in the areas of science and mathematics, all of which are noted as male qualities. If schools are looking to give female students a sense of feminine identity, why would they emphasize male qualities? Is this so that they will become oriented to a male dominated society? I understand the underlying principle of developing such policies, but it confuses me why male qualities would be overtly expressed and taught in an all female setting. I personally feel that integration and raltionships between the sexes is most important in the rocky years of adolescence. Should this opportunity be taken away, it might damge relationships in the future.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Reading Reflection #3
"The words are so silly, so juvenile, so utterly pathetic..."
Tim Wise's article brings many valid points, especially when referring to slurs against white people in relation to the context of the quote above. And it's true; there is no way that word like "honky" and "cracker" possess the same degredation and power as the word "nigger". The word itself has a long history of oppression and bigotry that it will probably never be erased from memory (or American memory, at least). From my own perspective, if a black man were to come up to me and call me a "honky", I'd probably laugh and walk away. I'm not saying that these are not degrading terms to certain people, but they do suggest a certain amount of comedy. Honestly, who takes the word "honky" seriously?
I also agree with the idea that racial violence is not so much power as it is just and act to show how someone feels. Wise explains that "power is much more potent when it can be deployed without breaking the law to do it." White people hold such power in the forms of government, determining where people live, and choosing the mascots for certain sports teams, as is the case with labeling organizations such as the "Chicago Blackhawks." Though these might serve as endearing terms--warriors, braves--many people find these names as oppressive and racist. In a way they are, as Wise explains that whites have never viewed the Native American people as fully human. However, were Native Americans to label whites as something that might offend them, such as "whitey", the insult is not exactly reciprocated in terms of power. We look upon such "slurs" with disdain, proving that they don't hold the same sort of resonance that "nigger" does.
On the other hand, I don't believe I agree with the passage in the Newman book that explains that words such as "black" and "white" have racist connotations or are meant in their individual form to oppress one culture of people. His explanation is interesting but it does not imply that we call black people "black because they are "soiled and dirty" or "hostile" or "disgraceful". If that is how the people who published Webster's Dictionary view black people, then racial problems are likely to never disappate in this country. Reverse racism may be a myth, but to attribute one word that has all negative definitions to one varitey of human being is almost ludicrous.
In any case, it is also ludicrous for white people to be subjected to the same sort of verbal hostility that minorities face. We can never feel the torment that words like "nigger" and "chink" express to black people and Asians. Because, at the end of the day, white people know they are on the thrones of this nation. We are (and I say we because I am white) the kings of the castle and the division of power will not be equal for some time, if ever. Minorities may try to insult us with their versions of derogatory terms but they don't hold the same sway as the words we have invented to dehumanize those who are different than us. We can never truly know what it is to be racially discriminated against.
Tim Wise's article brings many valid points, especially when referring to slurs against white people in relation to the context of the quote above. And it's true; there is no way that word like "honky" and "cracker" possess the same degredation and power as the word "nigger". The word itself has a long history of oppression and bigotry that it will probably never be erased from memory (or American memory, at least). From my own perspective, if a black man were to come up to me and call me a "honky", I'd probably laugh and walk away. I'm not saying that these are not degrading terms to certain people, but they do suggest a certain amount of comedy. Honestly, who takes the word "honky" seriously?
I also agree with the idea that racial violence is not so much power as it is just and act to show how someone feels. Wise explains that "power is much more potent when it can be deployed without breaking the law to do it." White people hold such power in the forms of government, determining where people live, and choosing the mascots for certain sports teams, as is the case with labeling organizations such as the "Chicago Blackhawks." Though these might serve as endearing terms--warriors, braves--many people find these names as oppressive and racist. In a way they are, as Wise explains that whites have never viewed the Native American people as fully human. However, were Native Americans to label whites as something that might offend them, such as "whitey", the insult is not exactly reciprocated in terms of power. We look upon such "slurs" with disdain, proving that they don't hold the same sort of resonance that "nigger" does.
On the other hand, I don't believe I agree with the passage in the Newman book that explains that words such as "black" and "white" have racist connotations or are meant in their individual form to oppress one culture of people. His explanation is interesting but it does not imply that we call black people "black because they are "soiled and dirty" or "hostile" or "disgraceful". If that is how the people who published Webster's Dictionary view black people, then racial problems are likely to never disappate in this country. Reverse racism may be a myth, but to attribute one word that has all negative definitions to one varitey of human being is almost ludicrous.
In any case, it is also ludicrous for white people to be subjected to the same sort of verbal hostility that minorities face. We can never feel the torment that words like "nigger" and "chink" express to black people and Asians. Because, at the end of the day, white people know they are on the thrones of this nation. We are (and I say we because I am white) the kings of the castle and the division of power will not be equal for some time, if ever. Minorities may try to insult us with their versions of derogatory terms but they don't hold the same sway as the words we have invented to dehumanize those who are different than us. We can never truly know what it is to be racially discriminated against.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Observation Journal #1
Do You Think You're Cool Saying That?
This is what I think everytime I hear friends of mine uttering some sort of racial slur, some word that would offend someone of a different cultural or ethnic or racial background. It is very difficult, especially in this country, to avoid insulting someone. The incredible diversity in the United States alone proves this fact. However, does that mean we should not make an effort to be aversive to such insults? Should we continue using such language because it is acceptable, because it is what we are used to? I feel that although we have been brought up in a racist society (and by we I mean white people, but this problem is not just limited to white people), we have the power to eliminate such thoughts and escpae this brutal mindset. An ideal is what I have. This ideal, however, has certainly not been reached as I am surrounded by people, many of whom are my friends, that express no concern when using racist terms. At one friend's house, for example, it is expected that the word nigger will be used at least once, if not throughout the night. It is not that my friends are racist; they have no hate for another race whatsoever, and if they did I would not hang around them. However, does that make it right that I stand by and listen to such words being spoken? Along with racist inclinations, American society has embedded apathy into our brains. We watch while those who are (and are not) racist fling coarse language around, degrading other peoples. While I do not consider myself racist, it does not change the fact that more often than not I listen to these comments and do nothing about them. At the same time, the more I am around these people, the more I see something inside of me changing. Such words do not necessarily offend me. Rather, I question why they are used at all. Why do you feel the need to say these things? If you are not looking to get your ass kicked, why even think about them? Are we trying to prove soemthing by saying nigger in an all white setting? Acceptance of these words courses through the veins of America, but we are afraid to use them out in the open. Perhaps that is the problem I reserve for myself; I fear speaking out against my friends. Does that make me racist too? Or just apathetic? Perhaps they are one in the same.
This is what I think everytime I hear friends of mine uttering some sort of racial slur, some word that would offend someone of a different cultural or ethnic or racial background. It is very difficult, especially in this country, to avoid insulting someone. The incredible diversity in the United States alone proves this fact. However, does that mean we should not make an effort to be aversive to such insults? Should we continue using such language because it is acceptable, because it is what we are used to? I feel that although we have been brought up in a racist society (and by we I mean white people, but this problem is not just limited to white people), we have the power to eliminate such thoughts and escpae this brutal mindset. An ideal is what I have. This ideal, however, has certainly not been reached as I am surrounded by people, many of whom are my friends, that express no concern when using racist terms. At one friend's house, for example, it is expected that the word nigger will be used at least once, if not throughout the night. It is not that my friends are racist; they have no hate for another race whatsoever, and if they did I would not hang around them. However, does that make it right that I stand by and listen to such words being spoken? Along with racist inclinations, American society has embedded apathy into our brains. We watch while those who are (and are not) racist fling coarse language around, degrading other peoples. While I do not consider myself racist, it does not change the fact that more often than not I listen to these comments and do nothing about them. At the same time, the more I am around these people, the more I see something inside of me changing. Such words do not necessarily offend me. Rather, I question why they are used at all. Why do you feel the need to say these things? If you are not looking to get your ass kicked, why even think about them? Are we trying to prove soemthing by saying nigger in an all white setting? Acceptance of these words courses through the veins of America, but we are afraid to use them out in the open. Perhaps that is the problem I reserve for myself; I fear speaking out against my friends. Does that make me racist too? Or just apathetic? Perhaps they are one in the same.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Reading Reflection #2
"I Know I did not get where I am by merit alone."
This is certainly a thought provoking quote. How did you get there, then? Surely Robert Jensen is not the only one who has thought about white privilege, but he is one of the few to bravely expose his opinion on the matter. Indeed, he does challenge a enduring point of view: That hard work is the measure of how far gets in life. In fact, he refers to it as the "mythology" of the culture, the deception, and the false belief. The idea that hard work produces results does hold true with many people; many white people do not have the privilege of being affluent or oriented to wealthy white society. On the other hand, can we truly argue that it is easier for a white person to get a job than, say, a black person? Will whites typically be tailed by a security guard when they walk into a department store? I think the answer is pretty apparent.
After reading the article, my view have not necessarily changed but, rather, modified. I was always aware that white people definitely held an advantage in American society, but I never paid close attention to that belief. I never looked at the world around me and said, "Gee, the color of my skin has certainly gotten me somewhere." The fact is, however, that yes, my "race" has entitled me advantages that perhaps should not be entitled. Why should I get a job if a Hispanic man has worked even harder than me to earn? I hope my recommendations by other people, appointments to certain positions, or simple respect is not determined by the fact that I am basically a WASP. On the other hand, in some point in my life I know I have encountered just that kind of thinking, though I may not have been aware of it. The sad thing is that it is not the microcosm that I live in that determines these things; it is the macrocosm, the enitre society of America. As David Newman says in his text, "As long as people continue to believe that race differences or gender differences are rooted in nature, however, they will continue to accept social inequalities as natural." Should American society be tricked into believing "the American dream"? Should we ignore that question of race is as much a problem today as it was 50, 100, 200 years ago? How are we expected to move on as a society if we cannot overcome that which has plagued since the inception of this country?
Perhaps the one problem with Jensen's article is that he is speaking from a point of view that addressed white people alone. But what do minorities have to say about such an issue? It would be interesting to know what people who are victims of white privilege have to say about the issue themselves. Undoubtedly, such people probably notice it more than the average white person, but I want to hear what they actually have to say. Do they feel wronged? Hurt? Angry? The answer is probably yes, but we cannot let the assumptions of article's author let us know how everyone feels about this topic.
This is certainly a thought provoking quote. How did you get there, then? Surely Robert Jensen is not the only one who has thought about white privilege, but he is one of the few to bravely expose his opinion on the matter. Indeed, he does challenge a enduring point of view: That hard work is the measure of how far gets in life. In fact, he refers to it as the "mythology" of the culture, the deception, and the false belief. The idea that hard work produces results does hold true with many people; many white people do not have the privilege of being affluent or oriented to wealthy white society. On the other hand, can we truly argue that it is easier for a white person to get a job than, say, a black person? Will whites typically be tailed by a security guard when they walk into a department store? I think the answer is pretty apparent.
After reading the article, my view have not necessarily changed but, rather, modified. I was always aware that white people definitely held an advantage in American society, but I never paid close attention to that belief. I never looked at the world around me and said, "Gee, the color of my skin has certainly gotten me somewhere." The fact is, however, that yes, my "race" has entitled me advantages that perhaps should not be entitled. Why should I get a job if a Hispanic man has worked even harder than me to earn? I hope my recommendations by other people, appointments to certain positions, or simple respect is not determined by the fact that I am basically a WASP. On the other hand, in some point in my life I know I have encountered just that kind of thinking, though I may not have been aware of it. The sad thing is that it is not the microcosm that I live in that determines these things; it is the macrocosm, the enitre society of America. As David Newman says in his text, "As long as people continue to believe that race differences or gender differences are rooted in nature, however, they will continue to accept social inequalities as natural." Should American society be tricked into believing "the American dream"? Should we ignore that question of race is as much a problem today as it was 50, 100, 200 years ago? How are we expected to move on as a society if we cannot overcome that which has plagued since the inception of this country?
Perhaps the one problem with Jensen's article is that he is speaking from a point of view that addressed white people alone. But what do minorities have to say about such an issue? It would be interesting to know what people who are victims of white privilege have to say about the issue themselves. Undoubtedly, such people probably notice it more than the average white person, but I want to hear what they actually have to say. Do they feel wronged? Hurt? Angry? The answer is probably yes, but we cannot let the assumptions of article's author let us know how everyone feels about this topic.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Resisting the Weight of Socialization Requires Conscious Thought
Dear Mr. Wise,
Your article offers many valid points and I believe I follow what you are saying throughout the whole of the essay. Indeed, it must have been a shock to hear such a vile slur uttered from a woman who had great disdain for racism. The idea that she might say such things in her mental decrepitude truly does speak volumes about the country in which she was raised. Apart from the fact that her father was a former member of the Klan, apart from the fact that she attempted to halt the decay brought on by racism--it does not mean that she was invincible to such forces. They affected her just as deeply as they affected everyone around her. The word nigger, though she despised it, was spoken around her on a seemingly regular basis. And it is, even today. It is heard so often that how can anyone escape its almost enveloping presence?
Like you said, the problem lies more within the American system--thought not exclusively the American system--than with the individual. Your grandmother did all in her power to stop the destructive forces of racism from clenching society even more tightly in its grasp. But racism is a powerful enemy and not one that will be defeated easily. We see it in the movies, we read it in books, we are witnesses to it on the television, and we listen to it on the radio every day. The media is without question an omnipotent entity and racism and stereotypes hang from it like a banner. Your grandmother most likely did not abstain from the pleasures of movies and music, but with these joys came some pain. She was exposed to slanders and slurs that run through everyone's mind from time to time. Eventually, though she clearly had no evil thoughts of her own, the word nigger became engrained in her mind. Perhaps not the meaning of the word nor the stigma attached to it, but the word itself. It is so taboo and so unaccepted that we easily remember it. Most people are shocked when somone speaks in such a manner, though they themselves have probably used it on a number of occasions. Because this particular remark is so despicable and at the same time spoken so loudly by the masses, it seems that nigger is almost an easy word to remember, a word that even in our old age and deterioratio will continue to haunt us. Your grandmother referred to her African American caretakers in a derogatory manner not because she meant it, but because she had been in its presence so long that it had permanently attached itself to her mind.
If such a thing can happen to a social activist like your grandmother, Mr. Wise, it can most assuredly happen to anyone else. I agree with your idea that racist terms and stereotypes are deeply established in American society; however, I disagree with your claim that most individuals are racist. When emotions flare and tension is high between two people of opposite races, things are bound to be said that neither meant to say. This does not mean that the two opponents truly think in such a manner, that their claims apply to everyone in the opposite culture. In my opinion, if the two opponents immersed themselves in the culture of their "enemy", they would probably find what they had said is completely fictitious. Their words were nothing more than a garble of anger, confusion, and frustration that manifested itself in a vicious display of verbal diarreah. I truly belive that people are good, that no one is born with the oppression of racism plaguing one's mind. It is the system, the external structure, the all-encomapssing society that brands our brains with such gross thoughts. Mr. Wise, I hear your message about racism loud and clear. It is noble and forthright and one to which we should all aspire. Sadly, the world is not a perfect place and I don't think such ideals will ever be realized. Simply for the fact that there are people of different race, ethnicity, and culture, injustice, slander, and inequality will forever linger in all people's minds. Unless we can truly come to some profound understanding in our increasingly diverse world, it seems that we are doomed to be overshadowed by cruelty.
Your article offers many valid points and I believe I follow what you are saying throughout the whole of the essay. Indeed, it must have been a shock to hear such a vile slur uttered from a woman who had great disdain for racism. The idea that she might say such things in her mental decrepitude truly does speak volumes about the country in which she was raised. Apart from the fact that her father was a former member of the Klan, apart from the fact that she attempted to halt the decay brought on by racism--it does not mean that she was invincible to such forces. They affected her just as deeply as they affected everyone around her. The word nigger, though she despised it, was spoken around her on a seemingly regular basis. And it is, even today. It is heard so often that how can anyone escape its almost enveloping presence?
Like you said, the problem lies more within the American system--thought not exclusively the American system--than with the individual. Your grandmother did all in her power to stop the destructive forces of racism from clenching society even more tightly in its grasp. But racism is a powerful enemy and not one that will be defeated easily. We see it in the movies, we read it in books, we are witnesses to it on the television, and we listen to it on the radio every day. The media is without question an omnipotent entity and racism and stereotypes hang from it like a banner. Your grandmother most likely did not abstain from the pleasures of movies and music, but with these joys came some pain. She was exposed to slanders and slurs that run through everyone's mind from time to time. Eventually, though she clearly had no evil thoughts of her own, the word nigger became engrained in her mind. Perhaps not the meaning of the word nor the stigma attached to it, but the word itself. It is so taboo and so unaccepted that we easily remember it. Most people are shocked when somone speaks in such a manner, though they themselves have probably used it on a number of occasions. Because this particular remark is so despicable and at the same time spoken so loudly by the masses, it seems that nigger is almost an easy word to remember, a word that even in our old age and deterioratio will continue to haunt us. Your grandmother referred to her African American caretakers in a derogatory manner not because she meant it, but because she had been in its presence so long that it had permanently attached itself to her mind.
If such a thing can happen to a social activist like your grandmother, Mr. Wise, it can most assuredly happen to anyone else. I agree with your idea that racist terms and stereotypes are deeply established in American society; however, I disagree with your claim that most individuals are racist. When emotions flare and tension is high between two people of opposite races, things are bound to be said that neither meant to say. This does not mean that the two opponents truly think in such a manner, that their claims apply to everyone in the opposite culture. In my opinion, if the two opponents immersed themselves in the culture of their "enemy", they would probably find what they had said is completely fictitious. Their words were nothing more than a garble of anger, confusion, and frustration that manifested itself in a vicious display of verbal diarreah. I truly belive that people are good, that no one is born with the oppression of racism plaguing one's mind. It is the system, the external structure, the all-encomapssing society that brands our brains with such gross thoughts. Mr. Wise, I hear your message about racism loud and clear. It is noble and forthright and one to which we should all aspire. Sadly, the world is not a perfect place and I don't think such ideals will ever be realized. Simply for the fact that there are people of different race, ethnicity, and culture, injustice, slander, and inequality will forever linger in all people's minds. Unless we can truly come to some profound understanding in our increasingly diverse world, it seems that we are doomed to be overshadowed by cruelty.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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