The book "Black in White Spaces" by Elijah Anderson is a perceptive investigation of the experiences of Black people navigating primarily White spaces. The effects of these experiences on Black people's sense of self and interactions with others are discussed in detail in Chapters 1-4. In the first chapter, Anderson sets the stage by describing his own experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood and the impact it had on his sense of identity. He argues that these experiences are common among African Americans who live in predominantly white spaces, and that they face unique challenges in navigating these environments (Anderson 5).
As such, it should be noted that the author acknowledges that the discussion of racism is a complicated matter. In this context, the challenge originates from the definition of the identities that an individual may have and the point of intersection of each of these. Later sections of the book depict the development of the African-American race as well as European-Americans. It should be noted that Whites are from Europe while their Black counterparts have been in the United States because of slavery. The author seeks to respond to the question regarding the black kids that she states are all sitting together in the cafeteria.
The Unfavorable Offspring of the Humanistic Tendency to Form Bonds In the article “It Takes a Tribe,” David Berreby utilizes the example of students’ immediate college loyalty to claim that humans identify with groups because they desire to have a sense of belonging. In the article “ ‘Blaxicans’ and Other Reinvented Americans,” Richard Rodriguez talks about categorization by race to claim that Americans, in particular, feel the need to be in separate, defined classes. Berreby and Rodriguez emphasize different effects of humans’ natural tendency to classify themselves. Berreby focuses on the formation of opposition between groups while Rodriguez focuses on the formation of false perceptions of groups.
Why does classification determine their worth as humans? How does that determine who you like and who you don’t? Chuck Collins has stated that “we get into trouble as a society when we don’t see that we’re in the same boat.” He shows that people generally have trouble reaching out to those who are different or outside of their comfort zone. In contrast, Collins also wants us to recognize that when we leave people out of society, we hurt ourselves in the process.
Tatum uses the theoretical perspective of both symbolic interaction and conflict theory in this book. The symbolic interaction in this book looks at the social interaction between racial identities, how we see ourselves and how others see us. Furthermore, it manifests itself in the stereotypes and prejudices that are perpetuated in our society; stereotypes help to reinforce negative images and ideals that we have about different races. An example in her book Dr. Tatum explains that one of her white male student once responded in his journal “is not my fault that blacks do not write books” (1445).
On the other hand, there have been cases in which Latinos and Asians have either been categorized as either “black” or “white,” with no in-between. This shows that it is possible to see how the black-white binary takes precedence over one;s ethnicity. In the process, the identities of different people from different backgrounds are narrowed down to either being categorized as “white” or non-white (“black”), and ultimately being marginalized as
Human tendency to categorize others extends to simple instinct. From the moment a baby is born, the first question already categorizes the baby: boy or girl. In Richard Rodriguez’s Brown: The Last Discovery of America, he addresses these ideals of categorizations, untangling arduous inner conflicts in the process. Due to his diversity, Rodriguez feels unwanted and omitted in his day-to-day life. Feeling uncategorized, Rodriguez journeys to discover new parts of himself and embrace them, as well as question societal norms.
Steele begins addressing the issue by saying that “ By making black the color of preference, these mandates have re-burdened society with the very marriage of color and preference( in reverse) that we set out to eradicate.” In essence Shelby states that by allowing blacks to get a free privilege that whites do not have, the same issue that people were attempting to eradicate had just been reversed except this time in favor of African Americans. Shelby further explains that “ In integrated situations where blacks must compete with whites who may be better prepared, these explanations may quickly wear thin and expose the individual to racial as well as personal self doubt.” By using the example of college Shelby shows people that just because something is free does not mean it is beneficial in fact it may have the opposite effect it set out to achieve. At this point the audience has been made aware of a problem on several occasion and at this point in time Shelby begins to elaborate on the issue creating more intricate situations in which the free privilege will affect African Americans in the future.
"They wanted me out because I'm not one of them. They're afraid of me because of the way I look, and they'll always be afraid of me no matter how hard I try to prove myself." (p. 29). In this quote, the protagonist Bijan reflects on the racism he faces from his predominantly white classmates, who accuse him of cheating and vandalizing school property. Despite Bijan's efforts to fit in and excel academically, he is constantly reminded of his "otherness", this quote highlights the emotional toll of racism, as Bijan comes to accept the feeling of being targeted by a community he wants to be a part of.
Harper Lee is an author who wrote a popular story called “To Kill a Mocking Bird”. This novel is set in the 1930’s in Maycomb, Alabama. This novel is based on a child’s perspective, which grows and learns more about human nature. The children of Maycomb witness unjust situations as they grow older in their lives. Many of the issues in Maycomb become emotional and shocking to the kids.
Race and ethnicity as socially-constructed categories separates friends from the same background. In the article “Best of Friends, Worlds Apart,” Cuban immigrant Joel Ruiz finds himself stuck between two worlds after landing on American soil. Ruiz’s childhood friend Valdes traveled to the United States together and settled down near one another. Valdes lives a well-off life in the Caucasian community as a Cuban. On the other hand, Ruiz identify himself as Cuban, yet, whites see him simply as black.
This is our first look at the seperation of races. At this elementary school, there is a large presence of black children. The students refer to Dennis, a particular young child, as “the only white kid in our school,” (Packer 4). When the group of white girls, also known as Brownie troop #909, arrive to the school, the black girls see them as being so different. They even compare
The decision to attend a white school is a tough one and Junior understands that for him to survive and to ensure that his background does not stop him from attaining his dreams; he must battle the stereotypes regardless of the consequences. In this light, race and stereotypes only makes junior stronger in the end as evident on how he struggles to override the race and stereotypical expectations from his time at the reservation to his time at Rearden. How race and stereotypes made
Moreover, demonstrate consequences are taken to oppress racial and ethnic minorities to keep them in a subservient position. Overall, this film has provided me with a visual depiction of how stereotypes are a mental tool that enforces racial segregation and self-hate. The label of “White” became a necessity for Sarah Jane to achieve in society. To attain it she needed to move to a new city, change her name and deny her mother.
Growing up in Marystown, Newfoundland, and Labrador, has significantly impacted who I am today and my outlook on the future. There have been both positive and negative effects of growing up in this small town, but overall, my experiences here have shaped me into the person I am today, and I have no bad words to say about the place I call home. One of the most positive aspects of growing up in Marystown has been the strong sense of community here. People in this town are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and there is a real sense of camaraderie among the members of our community. This has taught me the importance of being a good neighbour, family member, and friend while contributing to the well-being of those around me.
