Racism articles.

After reading the two articles on race I was actually really surprised to find out about some of the things listed. When reading Defining Racism I found that even in our early years we are discriminating and making assumptions. I really liked the example with the preschoolers and the Indians. It really is true though, even myself as a child thought that all Indians wore big feather hats and carried around tomahawks. I also really like where she says “ We may not have polluted the air, but we need to take responsibility, along with the others, for cleaning it up.” This makes so much sense because although we may not have known what we were doing, most of us have still contributed to racism as a whole.

When I read the McIntosh article, I was quite shocked when she showed us how white people get benefits that we don’t even know about. As a white female, I never really realized that I had certain privileges that an African American or and Latin American might not receive. She makes a point that whites aren’t followed around in stores, or worry about the way we dress or act being a reflection of our color. This article was very eye opening for me, as a white American, I should really take on a better stand on racism, being a contributor to passive racism I had no idea how it could effect society as a whole!

I have really NOT considered myself racist by any means, but after reading this article I found that just not saying anything is considered passive racism. I now need to change the way I take things and not take them lightly. I should also be thankful that I have the status I have and be thankful that I don’t have to suffer for being my color. And with that said I should try to help those that do suffer because of their color, by changing my own actions.