Everything about American culture is very Eurocentric - what we see in various forms of media, television shows, movies, music and even what we're taught in school. This culture of eurocentricity is the reason why I always encourage my friends to watch John Singleton's Higher Learning. I think it's a very accurate depiction of racism in modern times from a different perspective. The movie was filmed back in the mid-90s but still has relevance today. I know not everyone has seen the movie so I'll provide a brief synopsis. The movie focuses on the lives of 3 college freshman: Malik -a black male who is attending college on a track scholarship but has academic issues; Kristen - a white female who is a bit naive and has a personal struggle with her sexuality; and Remy - a white male who is struggling to fit into the multi-cultured atmosphere. One issue that seems to plague each student to some degree is racism. Malik is challenged on race and politics by a new friend, Fudge, and a college professor. Kristen has some prejudices which are displayed at the movie's inception. Remy is approached by a member of a group of white supremacists who accept him into their group and prey on his insecurities. The climax of the movie results in tragedy when 2 students and one of the main characters are killed as a result of racism.
Admittedly, racial violence is not as common as it once was but racism still occurs at the same rate as it did 40 years ago. For those who believe racism isn't as prevalent now as it once was, Higher Learning will change your perception. The movie has a bit of shock value for those who have not been exposed to the situations that take place and the types of ideals expressed by the different racial groups. I liken the portrayal of the group of black students to that of the Black Panthers and the group of white supremacists to the KKK. Morals and opinions expressed by both groups [in the movie] would be considered radical. The prejudice depicted in the movie boiled down to two things: misunderstanding and lack of knowledge (ignorance). Those two factors are the force behind racial prejudice and stereotyping. The only way to rid the world of this prejudice and discrimnation is through education. Unfortunately, everyone isn't willing to learn and would much rather clinch on to their close-minded views.
So what about reverse racism? You'd be surprised but many black people don't believe it exists. I found this statement on a website:
"Blacks can't be racists because they don't have the power and infrastructure to support superiorty, discrimination, and subjugation via systems. Every race can hate but their are more components to racism than sheer hate. Whites who are the only possessors of racism ever to have executed in North America have all of these components and have always been racist in America. I never seen any white men hanging from trees or blacklisted for being white. If you find a case of it it is few and far between."
So do you agree or disagree with this statement? The way you answer that is dependent on your definition of racism. If you believe that racism is a belief in racial superiority you might agree with his statement. If you feel that racism is animosity towards another race, then you'd probably disagree with the statement. I don't agree with the statement because I feel that racism is more about hate for or bitterness towards another race. With that being said, reverse racism is a very real thing. It's my personal opinion that the number of racist black people is equal to, if not more than, that of racist white people. We (black people) tend to have a sense of entitlement, and because of that, many of us are prejudice. And honestly, I think it's a fact that a large majority of black people have an accusatory attitude towards white people. Meaning, many black people are constantly on the defense because they feel that white people are discriminatory by nature - whether it be conscious or unconscious. That belief system is racist and substantiation of reverse racism.
So what are your thoughts on racism and reverse racism (including the comment in quotes)? This will always be a controversial topic but we should be able to have intelligent and open discussion about it without being offensive. I encourage everyone that reads this posting to comment. I'm sure that we'd all like to see different perspectives on the issue.
2 comments:
So I agree with the quote. I've actually read that before. I don't believe that a people not in a position of power are capable of racism because they cannot assert consequences such as 'jim Crow laws" for example because they are not the majority/not in power.
HOWEVER
All people are certainly capable of prejuidice which I would define as undue, unwarranted bias against a certain group or people and in my opinion some black people are the most prejudiced people I've met in my life - so instead of reverse racism (which is really an oxymoron if you think about it if racism is just defined as bias and differential treatment to a group of people. what's the reverse? no racism right?) it should be simply prejudice.
Leave it you to make me sound dumb! Just kidding. But yea, you're right. I didn't think about reverse racism being an oxymoron but in deed it is. I think your definition defines racism as more of an institution. You and the author's definition of racism is how I'd define discrimination. I feel the only people capable of discrimination are those in a position of authority or in the majority. In my opinion, affirmative action is the prime example of actions taken to negate discrimination.
I do agree with your argument concerning prejudice. But I still believe that racism is inclusive of all races. We can agree to disagree on that :)
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