Systemic Racism Analysis

Race and racism are complex phenomena deeply rooted in history, manifesting today in a self-perpetuating structure known as systemic racism or white supremacy. This concept originated in the 1600s when race was socially constructed by white individuals as a political and economic strategy to oppress non-white populations, as noted by Hatch (2015, p. 1). Critical race theorists highlight the connection between the construction of race and the implementation of unjust policies, which are designed to create racial hierarchies and ideologies that justify white supremacy.

Without the historical and current structure of white supremacy, which dictates privilege and power dynamics in the United States, there would be no need or motivation to racialize groups of people.

Historical Context

Racism, both overt and institutionalized, manifests as deliberate acts by individuals and as systemic outcomes that are often unplanned. The insidious nature of racism can be seen in how many Americans, particularly white Americans, remain unaware of the harsh realities of the country's history regarding race and the current racial issues. This lack of awareness extends to the privileges and advantages gained through racial privilege. While white supremacist groups and overt racists continue to spread hatred, millions of well-meaning Americans perpetuate white supremacy through their complicity, as noted in "Public Tail Wags the Dog" (p. 2).

Throughout history, institutions have used hegemonic discourses and ideologies to uphold structural racism, enabling political leaders, mostly white men, to control the distribution of social, economic, and political power. The discursive and institutional elements of race and racism shape our social and political structures, as Glenn points out. One example is the law, which often supports colorblind policies that undermine and deny the history and current manifestation of white supremacy. The false notion that race is inherent supports this colorblind ideology, which legal institutions use to excuse the lack of policies aimed at undoing systemic advantages.

Case Study: Wei

The impact of systemic racism is evident in individual cases such as Wei's. Wei is a non-binary identifying 16-year-old international adoptee from China, raised alongside their biological sister by white, middle-class, educated liberal parents. Surrounded by a predominantly white, middle-class Christian conservative community, Wei has struggled for years with being a racial minority and with depression. Despite a year of therapy with a queer, multiracial, cis-female therapist at a community health center, Wei abruptly stopped attending sessions, even as their mental health continued to decline. This case exemplifies how deeply racism and other forms of oppression can affect individuals, limiting their power and agency. Wei shows resilience by resisting in subtle yet powerful ways, despite their challenging circumstances.

Current Manifestations

The current structure of systemic racism and the historical tactics of white settlers in the United States have contributed to what Glenn identifies as internal colonialism, racial formation, and racialized social systems (p. 16). Smith's concept of the "Three Pillars of White Supremacy" further identifies mechanisms used to exploit and violate various racialized groups, highlighting the specific benefits gained through these strategies. The exploitation of Black individuals through slavery laid the foundation for capitalism and is still present in the prison industrial complex, a lesser-known fact. For Native Americans, the impact was the invasion and theft of their land through genocide, a practice that continues today, albeit more subtly. Asian Americans have been historically labeled as foreign and exotic, fostering a fear of cultural dilution that has evolved into racism and justified military interventions in foreign countries to exploit resources.

Although these strategies to rationalize violence and exploitation differ and manifest in varied ways, they share commonalities. As Smith describes, the racialization of groups was chosen for potential benefits to colonizers, contributing to a division of power. Colonialism, according to Glenn, is an ongoing structure; "the logic, tenets, and identities engendered by settler colonialism persist and continue to shape race, gender, class, and sexual formations into the present" (p. 4).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the deeply ingrained structure of systemic racism in the United States, rooted in historical practices, continues to manifest through various cultural, political, economic, and social elements. The case of Wei, along with the broader systemic issues, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities. By understanding and addressing these issues, society can work towards dismantling white supremacy and creating a more equitable and just future for all individuals, regardless of race. Through continued education, awareness, and activism, we can challenge the power structures that perpetuate racial inequalities and strive for a society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Did you like this example?

805

34