Discussion Topic: Where Do We Go From Here?
PDF LINK to textbook: https://library.lol/main/CE8CEBF63DAC6BD917B3139F8... Discussion Questions: We have discussed the idea of race, the social construction of race, racism, and the ways that racial inequalities are maintained by various ideologies and institutions in the U.S. Your textbook poses the question, "Where do we go from here?" Please discuss your thoughts on what racial justice looks like. How do we achieve racial justice? Do you think it is possible to achieve racial justice?
Include the following components in your submission:
- Respond to each question above
- Write at least 1 paragraph, minimum of 7-10 sentences for your original post
- Use at least one quote from the textbook to support your discussion; provide the page number for the quote
- Provide meaningful feedback to at least 1 classmate (minimum of 5 sentences; thoughtful responses express how you connect or relate to the post and can also add on thoughts in response to the content of the original post)
Respond to this classmates discussion post:
Jianna Jabsi
After reading the textbook chapter, I realized that racial justice looks different for everyone. Different racial groups have their own idea of what constitutes a fair means to mend the generations of injustice imposed on so many innocent people. Personally, I think racial justice looks like a world free from any prejudice and discrimination of any sort, but especially on the basis of race. Race shouldn't be a factor in dictating how our major social and political institutions function or make decisions. People should be seen as humans, not by their race.
Unfortunately, this level of racial justice seems quite difficult to achieve. Nevertheless, if we were to try to shift society, this perspective from the textbook might be a good place to start. According to the text, "Eric Yamamoto [...] delineates four steps on the path to racial justice from this perspective: recognition, responsibility, reconstruction, and reparations" (Golash-Boza 416). These steps might seem simple on paper, but they would take years of reversing racial conditioning and political reform. However, I'm still optimistic that society might change for the better one day and these initiatives might be worth trying. First, there needs to be a sense of awareness that our society (and our country's entire history) is built upon racial injustice. Some people try to avoid acknowledging that the history of the U.S. has been formed on genocide, slavery, colonization, and other racially motivated discrimination in which there are so many people/institutions to blame. Making amends for these wrongdoings is also a huge part of taking responsibility for a better change. An apology can only go so far but I am aware that it's impossible to go back in time and change history. However, providing compensation for those who have been harmed, mending the racially discriminatory legislations in our congress, and setting the example of an egalitarian society for future generations.