Summary Of Heart Of The Politics Of Race: Centering Black People

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The Heart of the Politics of Race: Centering Black People in the Study of White Racial Attitudes by Harris-Lacewell, a work focused on criticizing the existing scientific studies regarding race that exclude Black people in the subject matter, leads to inaccurate queries and hypotheses. It is emphasized in the paper that as early as 1940, there was an empirical study conducted regarding American racial attitudes. The commencement of the empirical study is also the beginning of the debate among sociologists, political scientists, and psychologists - there are colliding perspectives between the different fields regarding the root cause of the prejudice, the origin of the change in regards to racial attitudes, and the function of stereotypes. Aside …show more content…

Harris-Lacewell is indeed significant and relevant. The author challenges the dominant paradigm in the study of race and racism, which often centers on the attitudes and behaviors of white individuals. It will help the readers to comprehend that understanding racism from the standpoint of those most directly affected by it is crucial. Also, the study explains the necessity of recognizing power dynamics in discussions of race. Thus, the journal will help the readers to critically examine how racism operates within systems of power and privilege. Harris-Lacewell's argument has implications for policy and activism aimed at addressing racism and promoting racial justice. By centering on Black experiences, she calls for policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs and concerns of Black communities, rather than focusing solely on changing individual attitudes or behaviors. Thus, this can initiate an initiative to act and make policies that are beneficial to the Black community. Lastly, "The Heart of the Politics of Race" adds to larger efforts to promote social justice and racial equity. Harris-Lacewell's essay challenges traditional approaches to studying race and racism, encouraging researchers, activists, and policymakers to adopt more inclusive and intersectional viewpoints that prioritize underrepresented people's voices and