I have tried to stay positive within this blog, despite the insanity that has took place, but racism has got to go one way or another. Zinn shares a part of a quote in one of the chapters of History is a weapon, “Under such conditions even the slightest display of humanity between the races might be considered evidence of a basic human drive toward community.” One way to pave the road toward community is if we work to help make the community accessible to everyone by putting better schools and education that teach the truth, that lead to better systems of successful employment, wealth, housing, and healthcare. There is no reason for this not to happen but it doesn't. This means we have to replace the people who make these systems of oppression continue to exist, let’s find out ways how we can efficiently do that.
Feelings of uncomfortableness have become unbearable. This is not for pity, but I have become ashamed and embarrassed of my skin color, how dare white people act superior and create a discriminating system all of these years. I look around my life, outside, inside, thinking about the whole world. I remember a conversation with my Aunt, and she says even though it was so awful, it had to happen so we could be where we are now, or else we would still be in another country, or something like that. I thought to myself, that doesn’t even make sense. She is a Christian, so I assume she believes that God has a plan for everything. I have begun to question Christianity for about a year now. I believe that there is a God, there is a purpose in life, and everything will be okay in the end. But to live everyday doing nothing while knowing that there is suffering due to ignorance, neglect, and all of the ism's, does no justice.
The questions of how to fix this, the answers seems to be in community. Kids are growing up in neighborhoods that are deteriorating, schools are not meeting their educational needs, families are struggling to find good jobs, pay bills, buy food, clothing, healthcare, the solution is obvious. There is money that exists in the hands of millionaires, but they are not willing to help others. People in the community have to come together as a whole, whether that is protesting, advocating, calling, emailing, going on strike, boycotting companies, teaching people how to grow their own food, make their own clothes, or any other form of trying to make change. However, I personally understand that some people don’t have the option to do these things. In order for there to be a change, white people and those who have more money than all of us combined, have to speak up for the rights of people that are oppressed. If not, then we have to try to reach out to as much people as we can, in hopes that they are on our side, and are able to help too.
The whole system needs to be changed, starting with laws and education that have proved to be unworthy, especially if many cannot access education that will lead them to productive and equitable lives, and the laws constantly order injustice. Children need to grow up knowing what is right and wrong, so that they can break the systems of oppression. I imagine buildings that consist of law making authorities, and time is being wasted, money is being stolen, created out of nothing, while millions of people work hard for money, while money is just a game to others who can play recklessly. We can fix the system by making a new one and establishing changes that are required by engaging community as a team, and if those who have privilege make the effort to help do so.
References
Zinn, H. Drawing the Color Line. Retrieved February 12, 2017, from History Is a Weapon, http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncol1.html
et al. ], M. A. (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice. New York: Routledge.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog post inspiring. I do think the first thing that needs to change is the education system in America and we need to change the people who are in charge of continuing the oppression cycle. The community aspect of this change will be a big component too. I think the way we talk about race in school is backwards. We are taught the history of oppression in this country, but we don’t learn about race relations now days and the problems we have today regarding race. If all were taught in school is the past oppression of minorities, then all were doing to remembering how awfully we’ve treated people in the past. We need to teach children how to talk about race differences in this country so when they get older they can talk about race openly.
The next thing to change is who is in charge of our country. I strongly believe that if we could find people who understand the cycle of oppression then we could change the system. If social workers were more involved in government then I think we could change the system from the inside. We need to have people who know how to change the system and are willing to talk about race openly in charge.
The community aspect of this change is very important too. If people were willing to talk about race relations, educate their children about inequality, and have the white people, or the oppressors, stand up for those who are being oppressed. If these changes plus the changes to the education system and the leaders of our country were different, then I think that change could occur in the cycle of oppression.
Hello, Catherine! First off, I would like to commend you on all the positive motions for change you have listed that as advocates, we can use to counteract the ‘isms of this world to create a more justified society for people of all identities. I would like to address your feeling of uncomfortableness around your white identity. White guilt has been a topic of interest for me amongst my white colleagues, and I remember specifically a time in which a colleague of mine in the Department of Theatre and Dance messaged me on Facebook her first year exclaiming this newfound dilemma. I think it comes with the beginning stages of liberation as we become exposed and more conscientious of our environment in young adulthood – becoming “woke.” I want to reinforce that shame and guilt are natural feelings, but you are not responsible as an individual for the disparities inflicted by people of your skin color, so try to not feel guilt for being socialized into a system that grants you privileges through socialization. Use this privilege to speak about social justice.
ReplyDeleteAs you stated about knowledge and education through books, you are a voice of knowledge now that you have this information. Once you know something, you can’t un-know something. Be a walking textbook! I’ve had difficult conversations with my Asian parents about their ‘isms as I became more educated about social justice issues growing up, and they aren’t pretty. Straying from the very fabrics of socialization of our closest family members is difficult, but they’re just people who don’t know yet. Be that kind, empathetic voice of difference in showing up and advocating for those with less privilege now that you’ve been educated in the area!