I absolutely think these events, rules, and laws still impact our society today and it makes me feel frustration, anger, and hope. As a former city council member I have seen policy change that works toward a better future, but it never feels like a big enough step and I question a lot, what, if anything, will every feel big enough to make change that brings us closer to actual equity, if even equality.
Reflect on the discussion about history, our foundational structures, the "red lining" of families of color out of opportunity for economic advancement, the connection between poverty, educational opportunity, and incarceration. Are you able to see those connections? To share your thoughts on the training forum, click the button below.
The connections are very clear...as a white person, learning how or where to begin making changes and explaining to our elders or children to do so is incredibly important.
Now that you have viewed all of the content for Module 1, how much do you believe our history informs people's beliefs and behavior today? What information in this module stood out to you or impacted you the most? To share your thoughts on the training forum, click the button below.
HIstory informs our beliefs and behavior every minute and I believe many of us know very little of our history. In fact, I didn't know how much negative portrayal of Obama there was, I knew it was out there but hadn't seen much. It's so appaulling that those pieces are history even exist and just speaks to how much more work we have to do.
I'm almost 75 years old and have spent most of my retired years unlearning what I was taught for the biggest part of my life since infancy. Much of the first module I was well aware of because of my curiosity to know the truth in my later years as I really had the time to research and look for the truth. I'm a genealogist, studied Native American history and spirituality as well as many different religions, and have done some writing. When I write, the truth matters and I only write what I can prove to be the truth. I have been lied to about everything from religion to history. Yet this first module still taught me a great deal. I look forward to the next module! Be CURIOUS folks and seek the truth.
The story in the structural racism piece successfully shows how White people benefit from historical advantages and how Black people are similarly disadvantaged. The history matters not just as singular events but as part of links in a chain leading to present day circumstances. The rest of the materials filled in more detail about what the history. The newest information for me was that policing and police forces had its roots in racism and white supremacy. I've since read a couple of more articles about this (one just came out today in USA Today)
The videos chosen did an excellent job of illustrating how racism pervades every aspect of American history and our present day reality. The video about Racism in American Medicine was most shocking for me. It reemphasized how totally inhumane people were and how totally accepted these atrocities were. I'm not sure I should be using the word "were".
Unfortunately, systemic racism still very much pervades our current society, as eloquently shown in these videos. With emerging research about generational trauma, even the events experienced by our parents can be passed down genetically though epigenetics (not just socially or historically). Racism is almost an aspect of American culture, as we were founded on it and people of color continue to be affected both from their family histories as well as current stigma.
These racist beginnings still affect us today, and a major reason is that many people don't know about these events. I feel ashamed that I didn't know about some of these terrible aspects of US History. As a teacher, I will do my best to inspire empathy by bringing these facts to light.
I am 78 years old and have lived thru the time periods when much of the social unrest occurred and minority populations were penalized. Being part of the majority (white, Anglo-Saxon and protestant) , and living in the Northeast, I became aware of discrimination by listening to people not like me and traveling to other parts of the U.S. The videos explain the history of why prejudice and injustices are so deep seated and continue to today. I am concerned that the anger people are feeling today towards racism will not last long enough for a change in laws, policies and procedures. For our democracy to be successful, all citizens must become involved in our government and vote for what we believe in.
As a 46 year old African American female, I can tell you that these rules and laws absolutely still exist...and it scares me. The fear that I have EVERY time my black husband leaves the house. The panic I feel when the phone rings...worrying did something happen to a loved one. The racial tensions of this country absolutely need to be addressed head on. Voting on every level needs to take place to get people in office who are about the business of truly healing this country.
I keep thinking about how stress and trauma affect the brain and the body, increasing health risks in a negative feedback loop. We know it impacts the individual, the system that the individual is a part of, and also that the effects are passed down via epigenetics.
The history of racism will always impact our society in someway as the years go on. As an older generation we have to proactively educate the youth in a manner where they not only understand racism but how to help in times of distress from this subject. To actively speak up and know the right to free speech.
Yes, these historical events, rules, and laws still impact our society today because they haven't gone anywhere. They still exist, they've just evolved.
Mr. Floyd's death was a public lynching, not just via the use of a rope and a tree. The objective was the same--to show that authorities still have control over one's life to the extent of taking one's life publicly. I feel nothing will change for the better until policies and laws are changed to protect ALL, not just those in power and positions of authority.