HW - Readings - Racism, White - dom, and Black beauty

Homework for May 30, 2007 Rothenberg readings

I enjoyed the insight about race and media from the readings. I felt like I gained new vocabulary regarding racism, discrimination of housing, and the movement to the suburbs. I also was reminded about the lifestyle of the wealthy, and the hardships of the poor. I was reminded that racism is not just exclusive for whites to project but for all. I was reminded that still people think that racism is no more, but educated through discussions and in college settings of the uncomfortable and necessary conversation. In the following paragraphs, description will be given about three essays and my insight and opinion given.

In Karen Brodkin's essay "How Jews became White folks?", I appreciated her personal experience of the progression of Jews into white society. I sometimes thought about that same question, but never pondered past the thought. Learning about the different color zones which indicate value (pg 49) enraged me of the racist governmental housing policies. Not many people know of the exact practices but no the barriers existed. Still today many minority neighborhoods are considered poor investment and not worthy of purchasing. These beliefs hurt not only the blacks but society in general. If you won't buy a home in "that" neighborhood, you won't venture into "that" neighborhood, or continue to foster stereotypes of "that" neighborhood.

I too have to ponder those beliefs when thinking about my house purchasing thoughts and even where I decide to reside. I used to live in Roxbury (for about four years). Before moving there, I was bombarded with negative thoughts about the black neighborhood by myself and others. I am black myself. I had to rethink and practice anti racist thinking myself.

Another essay I appreciated that brought to life the advantages of white people is "Constructing Race, Creating White Privilege" by Pem Buck. Blacks and other people of color have always known advantages of being white existed but there was no clear message or academic thinking that whites could claim or acknowledge themselves. Conversations of race get deeper and more valuable when whites acknowledge the privileges given to them in society and their action steps to be aware of this privilege, and ways to be anti racist or not take advantage of their privilege on others behalf.

However what was mentioned in the article is the need to always distinguish yourself from others through class, if not race as well. If you are white, then are you wealthy, are you supported by one income, etc. If your woman stayed home you needed more money, than others. "Women in the families of such men frequently did stay home and frequently came to support the idea that people who couldn't do the same were genetically or racially or cultural inferior." (pg 36)

Another essay that reminded of the ignorance of many is Beverly Daniel Tatum's "Defining Racism - Can we talk?". She mentioned that she was asked by a college student what class she was teaching. She mentioned it was centered around racism. The student then said that she didn't know that was still an issue in this country. Such a statement is not rare for blacks to hear. Yes, racism is still apparent and alive. It is more passive or hidden, but still alive. Also, the ignorant discussion of Cleopatra's beauty being debated because she was black. Sadly many do not view black women as beautiful. We are so beautiful. A discussion over our beauty is futile. However, what isn't is that Cleopatra was black and beautiful like black women in ancient times and today. Black is and always has been beautiful.

RS