Themes Of Racism And White Privilege - 939 Words

In Kindred, Octavia Butler uses characters and events to symbolize parts of larger themes of racism and white privilege in the story. Kevin is a symbol of the complicated relationship that white America has with black Americans. Kevin believes that he is not racist, yet his actions betray an unconscious prejudice towards African-Americans. This is evident when Kevin reacts angrily when Dana refuses to type up his writing for him. â€Å"He really had asked me to do some typing for him three times. I’d done it the first time, grudgingly, not telling him how much I hated typing, how I did all but the final drafts of my stories in longhand. That was why I was with a blue-collar agency instead of a white-collar agency. The second time he asked, though, I told him, and I refused. He was annoyed. The third time when I refused again, he was angry.† (Butler 109) Kevin does not see that Dana has a choice whether or not to do this typing for him, and feels entitled to her time and labor. Another instance in which Kevin feels entitled to her time is when they first meet. â€Å"‘Buz told me you were a writer,’ said the voice that I thought had gone away. ‘Look, I can’t count with you talking to me.’ I pulled out a tray full of large screws—twenty-five to a box. ‘Take a break’† (53) Kevin ignores Dana’s request for him to leave her alone, and pesters her. Kevin assumed that he knew what Dana needed to do better than she did, and decided that whatever she wanted did not matter. Though he may haveShow MoreRelatedAlice Mcintyre Talks About How Whites View Racism In Many1222 Words   |  5 Pagestalks about how whites view racism in many different examples and stories of white talk. McIntyre defines white talk throughout the reading, â€Å"Talk that serves to insulate white people from examining their/our individual and collective roles in the perpetuation of racism. It is a result of whites talki ng uncritically with/to other whites all the while, resisting critique and massaging each other’s racist attitude, beliefs, and actions† (McIntyre, 45-46). McIntyre talks about the themes that were discussionsRead MoreRacism In Master Harold And The Boys By Athol Fugard1291 Words   |  6 Pages Institutional racism is a global phenomenon. The never-ending list of disadvantages minorities face on a day to day basis is catastrophic. Nevertheless, one thing that can be done is to improve awareness. Institutional racism should be recognized by those higher in social status since minorities only make up a small percentage of the earth’s population. This limits the amount of control they have, leading to systemic oppression and restricting the number of opportunities people of color have.Read MoreThe And Race Expert Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum1312 Words   |  6 Pagesher most popular publishes. It focus on white and black relations during adolescents. Throughout the reading, the author engages her readers in conversations about race she has had in her personal life. In part one of the book, Tatum defines terms in order to understand racism. The words prejudice and racism are two of her most defined words. She details how they distinguish from one another. Being prejudice, which is also consequence of cultural racism, means having preconceived assumption orRead MoreRacial And Cultural Identity : I Am A White American1370 Words   |  6 Pagesdiffer from my students, as well as some ways in which the institution of education can be changed to be more racially and culturally inclusive. Before I can delve into my students’ racial and cultural backgrounds, I must first look at my own. I am a white American, born and raised in Minnesota. My ancestors moved to America from France and Norway; however, in my family, our traditions are more Norwegian than French. For example, every Christmas we make lefse and krumkake, two traditional NorwegianRead MoreThe General Themes Of White Privilege1287 Words   |  6 PagesThe general themes of â€Å"White Privilege† by Paula S. Rothenberg are the idea that America is and has been a white dominated country, where being white is the norm. It talks about how this socially accepted idea has oppressed and discriminated against anyone who did not fit the majority or privileged group, which continues that cycle of racism. Issues in this book brought to light, how white people take their mentality and actions for granted. This in return oppresses anyone who does not fit the privilegedRead MoreEssay about The Color of Fear by Lee Mun Wah692 Words   |  3 Pages Race, privilege, and gender are three key issues addressed in Lee Mun Wahs The Color of Fear. Different characters in the film bring out these issues and discuss how they have come about and how they are apparent in our society today. Lee Mun Wah uses different variations of visual language and compositions to show certain perspectives on the different characters. Also there is a theme of interlocking hierarchies presented in the film. CertainRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Sister Outsider 1709 Words   |  7 Pagesoverall American system that promotes systems of oppression that correspond with racism. Lorde explores many themes within her writings, but this paper will concentrate on the underlining themes from â€Å"The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism† (Audre Lorde), themes such as the need and use of anger without guilt, oppression vs. oppressed relationship, and the need for a different feminist movement. When dealing with racism Lorde proclaims that the only response for dealing with such issue is angerRead MoreWhite Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack967 Words   |  4 PagesWise’s examination of the inconspicuous character of racism 2.0 dovetails fittingly with our course’s recurring theme of institutionalized racism. In class lectures we have defined institutionalized racism as the discriminatory practices that have become regularized and routinized by state agencies , organizations, industries, or anywhere else in society. Although such practices might not be intentionally racist, they end up being racist nevertheless as consequence of the systematized and unspokenRead MoreWhite Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack1455 Words   |  6 PagesThis purpose of this paper is to synthesize this writer s three key revelations from this semester which are, (1) white privilege, (2) curriculum corruption and inadequate United States history education in K-12 public schools, and (3) United States legislation which disadvantages the minor races as a means for the dominate race to maintain power and control. Thus, this exploration organizes each area of significant course discovery, which a hybrid of class sources and readings relating to eachRead MoreRacism: A Contagious Virus1130 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Racism is a man made illness that has spread upon humans worldwide and to this day, Racism is currently still a contagious virus. Racism is mans gravest threat to man, the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason. The idea of race and superiority has caused major social and economic damage globally; with a fire still burning of hate and ignorance will we ever see a conclusion and closure of hate of our fellow man. In my response paper I will highlight readings that have expanded