Prior to the beginning of class, I could feel myself growing anxious, not because it was discussion was not only enlgihteing but eye opening.
One major theme that developed throughout the course of our discussion on race is the idea that our perception of race is largely if not ultimately shaped by our experiences regarding race. It was not until reflecting upon the issues and opinions shared in the discussion that I realize the extent to which an individual view on race is profoundly based on upbringing and life experiences. This became apparent when someone stated that they believe race would not necessarily be an issue in today’s society if we all had the same economic status. Immediately, I felt myself enraged with such statement. How …show more content…
For example, if a young Caucasian boy is borough up in a household that perpetuates the ideology that African Americans are inferior to whites, can the boy be blamed if he becomes an adult and is racist towards African Americans? I began to wonder if Coates was raised in a different environment and did not grow up in West Baltimore, would he still have the same views he shared in the book? To be more specific, if Coates did not experience racism or witness police brutality and he might not have felt the need to write this letter to his …show more content…
Research on law enforcement and racial conflict. Coates overtly mentions the idea police brutality and advices his son on how to deal with For instance, he states, “And you know now, if you did not before, that the police departments of your country have been endowed with the authority to destroy your body…” However, the article in some aspect defends the use of police force. For instance, on page 5 under Characteristics of suspect, it mentions how police officers work in environments where largely men of color commit crimes. It explains that officers, although good are influenced by such environment and begin to use mental shortcut and target African American men. Even though that statement is accurate, it should not justify why police officers target and kill African American men. In addition, why do most police officers that kill African American men not receive any consequences or charge for their
One major theme that developed throughout the course of our discussion on race is the idea that our perception of race is largely if not ultimately shaped by our experiences regarding race. It was not until reflecting upon the issues and opinions shared in the discussion that I realize the extent to which an individual view on race is profoundly based on upbringing and life experiences. This became apparent when someone stated that they believe race would not necessarily be an issue in today’s society if we all had the same economic status. Immediately, I felt myself enraged with such statement. How …show more content…
For example, if a young Caucasian boy is borough up in a household that perpetuates the ideology that African Americans are inferior to whites, can the boy be blamed if he becomes an adult and is racist towards African Americans? I began to wonder if Coates was raised in a different environment and did not grow up in West Baltimore, would he still have the same views he shared in the book? To be more specific, if Coates did not experience racism or witness police brutality and he might not have felt the need to write this letter to his …show more content…
Research on law enforcement and racial conflict. Coates overtly mentions the idea police brutality and advices his son on how to deal with For instance, he states, “And you know now, if you did not before, that the police departments of your country have been endowed with the authority to destroy your body…” However, the article in some aspect defends the use of police force. For instance, on page 5 under Characteristics of suspect, it mentions how police officers work in environments where largely men of color commit crimes. It explains that officers, although good are influenced by such environment and begin to use mental shortcut and target African American men. Even though that statement is accurate, it should not justify why police officers target and kill African American men. In addition, why do most police officers that kill African American men not receive any consequences or charge for their