Midterm: Race And Ethnicity

Midterm: (Q1) Identify your race and ethnicity. Explain the characteristics that distinguish one from the other. Which do you think has the greatest impact on your life? Why?

According to the text, race is defined as “a socially constructed category of people who share biologically transmitted traits that members of society consider important.” (pg 340,para 5) This includes basically any physically biological trait on the body. I identify as a black or African American woman because I believe both can be used to one’s liking in a way. Identifying as black, in my opinion, includes that even as a descendent from Africa, I also acknowledge that I am a descendent from others. The same goes for identifying as an African American, I have roots from Africa but this term kind of contradicts itself because if someone from Africa receives a US citizenship then they would be considered African American. I, myself, have never seen or set foot on African soil so the term is used very loosely in my case but still somewhat identifiable. All of this is understandable due to race being “socially constructed” and continues to lump people into whatever category they see fit. (pg 340,para 8)

Ethnicity is

defined as “shared cultural heritage” among a group of people. (pg 342, para 4) Language, food choices, religion, where a person lives are ways that people identify with a culture. As stated in the text, ethnicity is slightly more complicated than race because many people may identify with numerous cultures. (pg 343, para 3) Again, I will identify with the black culture but I do understand that there are many people who identify with the culture and do not share the same values, religion, and even food choices such a I because they may intertwine something from another ethnicity they identify with. So I now acknowledge the fact that ethnicity is very socially constructed also. (pg 343, para 1) Not everyone of an ethnicity share every aspect of a culture.
Between race and ethnicity, ethnicity would be the most important to me because it allows a wide variety of identity. Race just sticks you into a box because of the way I look. I love the thought of ethnicity because to be able to identify and intertwine what you want. For example, I identify black but if I move to Italy and learn their culture then I can also say I have something in common with them. The ability to combine my black culture with another is fascinating to me. In my opinion, I believe that everyone shares a part of another ethnicity and may not even know it.

Midterm: (Q2) Summarize the theories of prejudice. With which do you agree with the most and why?
There are four categories of prejudice: Scapegoat, Authoritarian Personality, Culture, and Conflict. To understand where prejudice stems from these theories are used to explain by focusing on frustration, personality, culture, and social conflict. (pg 348, para 4)
What is a scape goat exactly?

According to the text, it is “a person or category of people who have little power who are often blamed from their own troubles usually minorities.” (pg 348, para 6) The Scapegoat Theory focuses on the frustration of those who basically need someone to place blame on when a situation does not go their way. The ability to make someone feel inferior to them brings solace. For example, there is a huge deal about Mexicans stealing jobs in the US. Many people blame them for not being able to get a job but Mexicans typically take the dirtiest jobs some people will not apply for and then are called lazy or illegal. So how is it their fault? They are used as scapegoats to make it seem like they are taking all the jobs so that’s why people are

unemployed.
Secondly, the Authoritarian Theory focuses on authoritarian personalities. This theory developed by Theodor Adorno and some colleagues of his examined that upmost prejudice is a personality trait. (pg 348, para 7) Basically saying that if you dislike one minority there probably is a change you dislike all. He concluded that people who had domineering parents usually develop this type of personality where they are hostile and aggressive due to a cold childhood. They find minorities as inferior to them and easily targeted.
Thirdly, the Culture Theory explains that everyone basically has prejudice views besides those that are extremely prejudice. This theory states that we live in a “culture of prejudice.” (pg 348, para 11) We are taught to have these ideas about other categories of people placing them on a scale of superiority and inferiority.
Lastly, the Conflict Theory implies that prejudice is used by those with power to subdue other categories of people. This entails that those powerful people will use any type of tactic especially money to discourage the advancement or growth of certain individuals. Another part of the conflict theory proposed by Shelby Steele states that minorities encourage “race consciousness meaning they play on the notion that all that they have suffered special circumstances should be granted. (pg 349, para 2) Steele declared that this type of thinking leads to adverse reactions from other races claiming special treatment.
Out of all four theories, I can mostly agree with the Scapegoat and Culture theories. I picked these two because I believe that they both equally explain the context of prejudice. The Scapegoat theory breaks down the specifics of how and why others tend to find a way to blame or target someone to minimize their short comings. The Culture theory explains that even though you have some people who are extremely prejudice, everyone displays prejudice which is so true. We tend to sometimes not even know that we do it which is kind of alarming.

Midterm: (Q3) Compare Socialism with Capitalism. What in your opinion could be two positives of both systems and two negatives. Explain. Which would you prefer to live under?

Midterm: (Q4) List the types of social movements. What are the features of each one? Pick a social movement in the United States and apply the features you have read about.
What is a social movement? According to the text, a social movement is an organized activity in which people set out to encourage or discourage social change. (pg 555, para 5) There are four social movements discussed in the text: alternative, redemptive, reformative, and revolutionary social movements.
The alternative social movement helps some certain individuals change something in or about their lives or choices and are less intimidating. This movement attempts to “seek limited change in only part of the population.” (pg 555, para 8) For example, texting and driving. In the last couple of years, there have been many laws and campaigns to prevent texting and riving especially among teenagers. This movement targets teenagers and others to change a behavior that may result in harm or death to themselves and others
The redemptive social movement like the alternative social movement helps certain individuals but seeks to total change a person’s life. Not necessarily a social movement but religion especially Christianity, is a great example. There are still many people who try and persuade that becoming a Christian will save your life and make it better. Other religions tend to do the same.
Reformative social change affects everyone but only seek a small change. For example, going green for the environment. The movement aims for society to recycle, not pollute, and reduce waste among other issues. It suggests that if society make a few green changes in the world we can save earth and everything that occupies it. Their aim not just save the planet but get everyone to understand and accept their part.
Lastly, the revolutionary social movement tries radically to make a whole society change and it’s the most extreme. Take for instance, Black Lives Matter. This group would be an excellent example of having a radical approach for its cause. Black Lives Matters touches bases with the mistreatment of blacks whether from police brutality to racial injustice following numerous incidents throughout the last 3 years. They aim to spread the word and get results by holding protests all around the US and using social media. Looking deeper into their movement, not only are they advocating for the people but also forcing others to pay attention. Law reform and then revamping of the justice system seem to be the majority of why this group exist.
As we can see each one of these social movements as an impact on something or someone. They can be very helpful and also very detrimental depending on the circumstances given. In my opinion, if it wasn’t for social movements the world would be at a standstill and freedoms and laws to protect us would probably never exist. I am glad people can be a voice for those who can or will not speak for themselves.