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Discussion 6: Race and Ethnicity
Maria Mabaso posted Sep 24, 2023 9:10 PM
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The statement from Halley, Eshleman, and Vijaya's book "Seeing White: An Introduction to White Privilege and Race" suggests that many white individuals often perceive themselves as the default or the norm when it comes to racial identity. In other words, they tend to view their own race as unremarkable and they may not actively think about or acknowledge their own racial identity in the same way that people from racial minority groups might. This perception of whiteness as the default or norm can be linked to the concept that race is socially and culturally constructed. Race is more so viewed as a social construct that has been developed and reinforced over time through cultural, historical, and societal processes instead of an inherent biological characteristic. In the United States, whiteness has been historically positioned as the norm against which other racial identities are defined which oftentimes result in the unconscious or consciousness construct of “white privilege”.
The idea of "white privilege" is based on the notion that white individuals enjoy certain advantages and benefits in society simply because they are perceived as the norm or the default racial group. They may not have to face the same systemic disadvantages and discrimination that people of color face. “We live our lives and benefit from our privileged position without ever having to recognize that there are other positions, other places and the other side of whiteness” (Halley, Eshleman & Vijaya 2010.)
It was really interesting to see different perspectives on the changes in America. Different demographic groups, such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and socioeconomic status, often have distinct experiences and perspectives on issues related to equality and racial justice. For example, people from historically marginalized racial or ethnic groups may have a different perspective on progress compared to those from historically privileged groups. I believe personal experiences play a significant role in shaping one's views. Media sources and political ideology can strongly influence perceptions of progress on issues related to race and equality. I agree with African Americans and Hispanics that the country hasn’t made enough change. I agree and take the same stance as I am a African American and experience or watch my people experience things such as systemic racism, racial profiling and discrimination, economic and educational disparities, media portrayals and stereotypes and healthcare inequalities. These are everyday battles that black and brown people face on a daily basis. “Americans are now more likely to say Black people are treated less fairly than White people when seeking medical treatment” (HOROWITZ et al., 2020.) I do not have a single story because I have seen many different groups of people in many different lights. This has allowed me to realize that everyone is different no matter how many pictures are painted of one particular group.
Citations
Jean Halley, Amy Eshleman, & Ramya Mahadevan Vijaya. (2010). Seeing White : An Introduction to White Privilege and Race. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
HOROWITZ, J., PARKER, K., BROWN, A., & COX, K. (2020, October 6). Amid National Reckoning, Americans Divided on Whether Increased Focus on Race Will Lead to Major Policy Change. PEWRESEARCHCENTER.org. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/10/06/amid-national-reckoning-americans-divided-on-whether-increased-focus-on-race-will-lead-to-major-policy-change/
Discussion6.1response.docx
Discussion 6: Race and Ethnicity
Maria Mabaso posted Sep 24, 2023 9:10 PM
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The statement from Halley, Eshleman, and Vijaya's book "Seeing White: An Introduction to White Privilege and Race" suggests that many white individuals often perceive themselves as the default or the norm when it comes to racial identity. In other words, they tend to view their own race as unremarkable and they may not actively think about or acknowledge their own racial identity in the same way that people from racial minority groups might. This perception of whiteness as the default or norm can be linked to the concept that race is socially and culturally constructed. Race is more so viewed as a social construct that has been developed and reinforced over time through cultural, historical, and societal processes instead of an inherent biological characteristic. In the United States, whiteness has been historically positioned as the norm against which other racial identities are defined which oftentimes result in the unconscious or consciousness construct of “white privilege”.
The idea of "white privilege" is based on the notion that white individuals enjoy certain advantages and benefits in society simply because they are perceived as the norm or the default racial group. They may not have to face the same systemic disadvantages and discrimination that people of color face. “We live our lives and benefit from our privileged position without ever having to recognize that there are other positions, other places and the other side of whiteness” (Halley, Eshleman & Vijaya 2010.)
It was really interesting to see different perspectives on the changes in America. Different demographic groups, such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and socioeconomic status, often have distinct experiences and perspectives on issues related to equality and racial justice. For example, people from historically marginalized racial or ethnic groups may have a different perspective on progress compared to those from historically privileged groups. I believe personal experiences play a significant role in shaping one's views. Media sources and political ideology can strongly influence perceptions of progress on issues related to race and equality. I agree with African Americans and Hispanics that the country hasn’t made enough change. I agree and take the same stance as I am a African American and experience or watch my people experience things such as systemic racism, racial profiling and discrimination, economic and educational disparities, media portrayals and stereotypes and healthcare inequalities. These are everyday battles that black and brown people face on a daily basis. “Americans are now more likely to say Black people are treated less fairly than White people when seeking medical treatment” (HOROWITZ et al., 2020.) I do not have a single story because I have seen many different groups of people in many different lights. This has allowed me to realize that everyone is different no matter how many pictures are painted of one particular group.
Citations
Jean Halley, Amy Eshleman, & Ramya Mahadevan Vijaya. (2010). Seeing White : An Introduction to White Privilege and Race. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
HOROWITZ, J., PARKER, K., BROWN, A., & COX, K. (2020, October 6). Amid National Reckoning, Americans Divided on Whether Increased Focus on Race Will Lead to Major Policy Change. PEWRESEARCHCENTER.org. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/10/06/amid-national-reckoning-americans-divided-on-whether-increased-focus-on-race-will-lead-to-major-policy-change/