So many of the social constructs and types of racism discussed in the videos are implicit in North American culture. As a white person, I have been complacent and complicit at times even as I work to be anti-racist. Working through homework with my middle schooler it dawned on me the internalization that Americans are white, and all others are Ethnicity-White. Pausing to have this discussion with her, giving her words to consider in how to discuss with her teacher. In a school that is still just over half white, it is a needed topic. These constructs are embedded in our culture, our systems, and perceptions of success. I consider how no one alive built the systems that are inherently racist; however, we benefit from them, and in some cases people are perpetuating them. For example, the Ivy League admission is an example of classism and belief that whites are being disadvantaged.
Racism has always existed in any context, unfortunaely. If we want to change this world, we will have to create a new education system where everybody is the same. I can see racism everywhere. I'm a latin american woman who lives in Brazil and here is not that different from the white countries. When I moved to Brazil I suffered a lot prejudice. I've overcame all that thing because I have a big auto-esteem and I think education and knowledge is the most powerful tool you can use against those people who only think the skin is what values. We have lots of work to do yet!
I'm really admired of such a wonderful work you are doing here. A big collection of different things that brings up interesting themes about racism, segregation, which we have to abolish one day. I've watched all the videos presented and some have made me cried. I understand now and much better how important is to create a new world free of prejudice, a world where we are all have the same rights. Thanks for all this insight and for letting me get deep on this themes.
I can relate to all of these stories as they are still present the world. I have heard many of these stories before from my own home country and I know the practice is still done today. Those affected do not have a voice and it is everybody's duty to be a voice for everyone.
I noticed a racist lesson in my daughter's 4th grade social studies class about the state of Texas. The lesson went through prominent "leaders" and inhabitants of Texas, starting before Texas was even a state. But all the chosen profiles were that of white people and one was just described as a prominent land owner and slave holder. Why was he being highlighted in a lesson?! I had her look up prominent Tejanos instead.
Of course all the historical events and laws still affect our society today! The effects of those things didn't just disappear once they were over. We just keep making new laws or finding different ways to discriminate against non-white people. We also often refuse to address the lingering effects of what was done previously, by saying things like "well, it's not my fault, I didn't create those laws, or I didn't discriminate against anyone, so why should I have to pay for it?" But nothing is going to get better unless we actively work to reverse the wrongs that have been done.
I agree with the statements above..
Discussions on this topic needs to remain constant in order to bring about change.
I want to be part of this process.
Changing our mindset needs to happen to be open to change.