On November 4, 2008, the United States of America reached a pivotal moment in its history when the first African-American assumed the presidency. Americans all across the nation had renewed senses of hope for change, and many even took to the streets to celebrate. In the midst of these celebrations, some people went as far to say that the election of Barack Hussein Obama meant that a post-racial era had finally been reached and that race no longer dictated someone’s quality of life. But while Americans equated a post-racial America with the elimination of racism I suggest otherwise. A colorblind approach to viewing society in fact ignores individual identity and devalues communities. It is only by acknowledging stories - all stories - that
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These forms of racism affect everyone in this country whether they know it or not. Institutional racism, for example, is where a society is structured systemically to end up giving advantages to one group in society at the expense of another group by means of institutions, which Timothy E. Cook defines in his book Governing with the News as “the site of systematized principles of action enduring across time and governing a central area of social life” (66). It is meant to create a system of oppression and exploitation that can be profited off of by the group in power by the use of various institutions in society. This type of racism is very recognizable by minorities but may seem nonexistent and even impossible to whites. For this reason, it is imperative that white people understand their power and privilege, and acknowledge that institutional racism exists since minorities do not have the luxury of denying its existence. However, one must also be aware of the other forms of racism, one example being subtle racism, or racial microaggressions. Racial microaggressions are instances of subtle or unintended discrimination that are directed to minorities on a personal level. Thus, when speaking about racism as a whole, it is important to know about these three forms of discrimination: institutional racism, microaggressions, and personal prejudice, and know their differences, while also keeping in mind that all three of these things contribute to racism on a national
These forms of racism affect everyone in this country whether they know it or not. Institutional racism, for example, is where a society is structured systemically to end up giving advantages to one group in society at the expense of another group by means of institutions, which Timothy E. Cook defines in his book Governing with the News as “the site of systematized principles of action enduring across time and governing a central area of social life” (66). It is meant to create a system of oppression and exploitation that can be profited off of by the group in power by the use of various institutions in society. This type of racism is very recognizable by minorities but may seem nonexistent and even impossible to whites. For this reason, it is imperative that white people understand their power and privilege, and acknowledge that institutional racism exists since minorities do not have the luxury of denying its existence. However, one must also be aware of the other forms of racism, one example being subtle racism, or racial microaggressions. Racial microaggressions are instances of subtle or unintended discrimination that are directed to minorities on a personal level. Thus, when speaking about racism as a whole, it is important to know about these three forms of discrimination: institutional racism, microaggressions, and personal prejudice, and know their differences, while also keeping in mind that all three of these things contribute to racism on a national