The World's Best Book Summaries
How often do you find yourself discussing issues of race or racism? What is your comfort level in having conversations about race? Race is a sensitive and contentious topic to talk about. However, talking about race is the critical first step in dismantling the structures and eradicating the practices that perpetuate racism. Here are some things to keep in mind when having conversations about race.
What is institutional racism? How does institutional racism relate to white supremacy? Institutional or systemic racism is a form of racism that operates on the level of underlying societal structures and systems (e.g. criminal justice system, health care, education, etc.). According to Ijeoma Oluo, the author of So You Want to Talk About Race, institutional racism is a product of the White Supremacist system. Keep reading to understand what institutional racism is and why it can be considered a product of the White Supremacist system.
What does the term intersectionality mean? Can you think of ways how intersectionality applies to your identity? The term intersectionality has been going around a lot recently. But what does exactly intersectionality mean? Simply put, intersectionality refers to the intersection of multiple forms of privilege or disadvantage. Keep reading for the answer to the question: what does intersectionality mean?
Is there a way to end systemic racism? What can you, as an individual, do to contribute to the collective efforts to put end to racism on the institutional/systemic level? Systemic racism is pervasive in that it permeates every aspect of the lives of people of color. To end systemic racism, we have to, first and foremost, acknowledge that racism is perpetuated on the institutional level. Because different parts of the system are propping each other up, if we pull out enough of the foundations, the whole ugly thing will collapse. Keep reading for some ways that you can contribute
What are the different types of racial microaggressions? What unconscious assumptions do racial microaggressions reveal? Racial microaggressions can be direct and indirect, verbal and non-verbal. Microaggressions are important because they act as signposts for implicit bias and unconscious racist assumptions that might otherwise stay hidden. Read about the different types of racial microaggressions and how to deal with them on both ends.
What is the definition of model minority? Why is the model minority stereotype harmful? The definition of the model minority is contained in the phrase itself: a minority demographic that is deemed to be a model or a reference group that outgroups should aspire to. At first glance, the model minority stereotype may seem innocuous, even positive, but it can have serious negative consequences for the demographic group in question. Keep reading for the definition of model minority.
What is the opportunity gap? What are the main factors that contribute to societal disparities in access to resources and opportunities? The opportunity gap can be defined as unequal access to resources and opportunities due to factors such as race, income, and ability. When we’re talking about it, we’re essentially talking about privilege. If you are privileged, even if you worked hard to get where you are, your success is greater than those who began without those privileges. Read about the opportunity gap and why it’s important to reflect on opportunities and privilege.
We often hear that race is a product of social construction, but what does that mean? Is there a scientific basis for the existence of race as a biological feature? When we talk about the social construction of race, we are referring to the notion that race is not an essential feature of the human species, but a socially manufactured reality. In other words, race is fiction, an illusion. Yet, this illusion shapes many, many people’s realities. Keep reading to understand the social construction of race.
How do you define cultural appropriation? Why is cultural appropriation problematic? There’s considerable disagreement about what constitutes cultural appropriation even among people of the same culture. But, how do you define cultural appropriation? Simply put, it is when someone adopts an element of culture that isn’t their own (e.g. a hairstyle or a piece of clothing). In this article, we will define cultural appropriation, highlight some examples, and explain why cultural appropriation is problematic.
In what ways did Michelle Obama experience racism growing up? What lesson did Michelle learn from her Grandpa Dandy? For the first few years of her life, Michelle Obama wasn’t aware of racism because she grew up in an inter-racial community. It wasn’t until she was a little older that she and her brother were faced with racism first-hand. Michelle realized that some people were treated differently because of the color of their skin. Keep reading for more information about Michelle Obama and growing up with racism.