This was a great introduction to explain racism in America. I had no idea that "race" was created to justify slavery and solidified by the Enlightenment. I literally thought it was created by scientists long ago who just didn't understand how DNA and evolution works.
After watching the video on Chinese Exclusion, I now realize that in 1924 the Federal Immigration Law was created beginning the concept of "illegal" immigrants and aliens.
Though I understood a little bit about environmental racism, I didn't understand the full impact of it until watching the video, What is Environmental Racism? I had no idea that the EPA has a department called the Office of Civil Rights and that in its 22 year history, there has been NO cases of discrimination. WHAT?!?!
I was reminded of institutional racism that clearly existed in my childhood (and still does). Redlining was very prevalent. No one wanted to be the first in the neighborhood to sell to a minority. When my father passed in 1985, I sold his home to an African American couple and I was ostracized.....IN 1985!
I too was surprised by the EPAs’ Office of Civil rights never found any discrimination in 22 years. The situation in Flint (that still exists) is a clear example of this.
Hey John. Have you had a chance to watch Just Mercy? Its free on Youtube and Prime right now. It was so disturbing, but what was really a punch in the gut was this was in the late 80's, early 90's. Granted I was in high school and college at the time but I feel like I should have know about this. Just heartbreaking to know that we have cops that decide on their own accord who is guilty even before they have a trial.
Just finished watching February One and The Uncomfortable Truth which were very informative and well produced. I you ever want to get really upset, watch Flint on Netflix. Just Mercy will be next on my list....Thanks
Oh thanks for the suggestions!
While I had previous knowledge of Indian schools, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese Americans, the medical mistreatment in gynecology, and the changing concept of what Whiteness was, I was completely unaware of redlining or the disparities in housing, though it makes perfect sense. There are still laws on the books in adjacent cities that state that you cannot sell a house to an African American person. I was also unaware of environmental racism and its relation to communities of color. It is truly abhorrent that no cases of racial discrimination have been found by the EPA. It makes me wonder if that particular department is grossly underfunded to avoid finding anything.
I have been aware of Indian schools, and my mother's family had an Indian foster child, as well as other racist aspects of American History, but I have cushioned myself with the inaccurate belief that this was settled following the Civil Rights Movement in the '60's. Of course, I've known that's not correct, but I carried the cognitive dissonance by not thinking about it or by believing I was above it. White exceptionalism? I'm taking this course to examine my cognitive dissonance and to find the courage and language to have the conversations that need to take place.
Hey Brett, I don't know if that dept is underfunded but it definitely isn't doing the job it was created for. We seem to have so many programs and departments that were created to do good, but as Presidents, Congress, and local officials change, things seem to get lost and jobs are no longer being done. It is truly baffling out many outdated laws are still on the books. Need a lawyer in each state to just work on getting them thrown out. All we seem to do is create more laws. 🙄 I didn't know about the gynecologist either. I go to doctors but I don't have a lot of faith in them.
I agree with several of those who commented here saying that they were unaware of environmental racism. I have an acquaintance that's an avid environmentalist who often posts about the relationship between racism and climate change. I'll be honest that I mostly move past those posts, because it feels like too many things to process at once. Though I think I'll need to spend some time exploring this relationship further and looking into environmental racism beyond the provided video.
Alexandra, it is easy to take for granted something like clean water when we turn the faucet on. Even though I use a filter for water I drink, I don't worry that the water I cook or bathe with is going to give me cancer. It is hard to comprehend sometimes, yet this is some people's reality. And its not always easy to pick up and move when you calculate moving costs and all the deposits that companies require when you do move. First and last months rent plus a deposit is freaking ridiculous sometimes.
This module was excellent in laying out so many interlocking aspects to racism. I am undertaking this course from Britain before I start an equivalent one looking at British systems. The relationship to law, medicine and education in particular are shocking. The inherited disadvantages are now more understandable and a matter of urgency for anyone, like me involved in teaching, to consider how one manages that with adult learners.