Kwame Anthony Appiah Race Summary
Kwame Anthony Appiah directly points out the immense influence race has on history, and its impact on culture and society. Reading “Race” by Appiah evoked what I can only describe as an “oh duh” moment. I knew the role of race, but never realized the massive effect this concept has had. Race can be seen as a relevant issue not only in literature, but also the foundations of our society. Specifically, the United States, a nation founded and built on slavery, is still facing its consequences. To begin, Appiah analyzes the origins of this concept and notes that the idea of race has been important to navigating difference. Race can be seen as the way people in power use difference to justify total autonomy and oppressive control. For example,
…show more content…
Because of its huge role in the formation of our country and its early years, there is no doubt there are lasting effects of slavery and racial discrimination that can be seen today. Both social norms and legislation today uphold and enforce racial bias. For example, The New Jim Crow reveals that the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 gives “far more severe punishment for distribution of crack – associated with blacks – than powder cocaine, associated with whites” (Alexander 53). This clearly shows that race is still a prevalent force. Just because we’ve had our first black president does not mean that America is not racist. The terms and tactics have changed, but the game has not. Sesay Jr. has a similar quote in his article that tackles the hidden racialized system that is America. He explains how Donald Trump’s election cannot be fully understood without the role of racial inequality. The fear that held back emancipation and the abolition of slavery in Jefferson’s time is the same fear that elected Trump.
The importance of understanding race in literature and history is because it directly corresponds to our government and society. Therefore, awareness can bring to light the realities people of color are facing and begin the process to progress. It prompts discussion and furthers the question of how do we move
Because of its huge role in the formation of our country and its early years, there is no doubt there are lasting effects of slavery and racial discrimination that can be seen today. Both social norms and legislation today uphold and enforce racial bias. For example, The New Jim Crow reveals that the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 gives “far more severe punishment for distribution of crack – associated with blacks – than powder cocaine, associated with whites” (Alexander 53). This clearly shows that race is still a prevalent force. Just because we’ve had our first black president does not mean that America is not racist. The terms and tactics have changed, but the game has not. Sesay Jr. has a similar quote in his article that tackles the hidden racialized system that is America. He explains how Donald Trump’s election cannot be fully understood without the role of racial inequality. The fear that held back emancipation and the abolition of slavery in Jefferson’s time is the same fear that elected Trump.
The importance of understanding race in literature and history is because it directly corresponds to our government and society. Therefore, awareness can bring to light the realities people of color are facing and begin the process to progress. It prompts discussion and furthers the question of how do we move