Prejudice And Racism: Chapter Analysis

A major theme in this section is the American struggle with racism. The chapter begins with the historic achievement of Barack Obama and ends with the differing circumstances/perceptions of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and his son Congressman Jesse Jackson III. Race is the classification of humans. While science has demonstrated that the concept of "race" is an illusion, it is still a very powerful illusion that shapes the way that humans act and think. "This is our first and most fundamental American Argument: Who, in our constitutional scheme, is a 'person'?" "For many women, a logical and necessary feature of American person hood was the right to control the functioning of their own bodies--even and especially as that related to childbearing." …show more content…
Do we owe them preference in hiring or education? And what do we do when some persons insist on their claim to separateness--which used to be considered a sure mark of inferiority? What happens when a focus on human rights turns into the kind of "identity politics" that dwells on differences of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation? Don't our founding ideals require that we ignore such distinctions? Is there such a status as personhood-plus? Are we really "one America"? This chapter later on discusses religious discrimination/oppression in the American colonies and it made me think about the little discussed prejudice against agnostics/atheists. Think about the current "religious test" for political candidates in which they have to "prove" that they "believe" in a (Christian) God. Whatever happened to separation of church/state? Is it right that non-believers are discriminated against in this manner? We see that Obama's candidacy proves to many that African-Americans have broken down the racial barriers of an intolerant society. What, then, does this "Christian" test for presidential candidates mean to anyone who is not a Christian. Are they less capable people... or not even worthy of