Racisim-Zinn and Douglass

“This unequal treatment, this developing combination of contempt and oppression, feeling and action, which we call “racism”—was this the result of a “natural” antipathy of white against black? The question is important, not just as a matter of historical accuracy, but because any emphasis on “natural” racism lightens the responsibility of the social system. If racism can’t be shown to be natural, then it is the result of certain conditions, and we are impelled to eliminate those conditions.”
The above quote is what you are to respond to. Clarify how Zinn makes the argument that “racism” is not natural to human beings, but has been socially constructed (or “made” as a result of our experiences). Then, use Frederick Douglass’ words to help describe how the historical treatment of black Americans impacts race relations then and now.
See the PDF on moodle regarding Analytic Paragraphs to help guide your writing. Remember, this is not your “opinion,” but rather describing what Zinn and Douglass have argued regarding the issue of race in America.
Racism is not a natural opinion to human beings. Racism is something that has been socially constructed, and Zinn makes this argument on these two things. Zinn explains that we have no way of testing the behavior of whites and blacks toward one another under favorable conditions such as no history of subordination, no money incentive for exploitation and enslavement, no need for forced labor. We will never be able to test the people based on racism. Everyone already has an opinion and we will never have a way of testing the behavior without the “environmental” influence playing a roll in the thoughts of the people. Zinn states, “But the presence of another human being is a powerful fact, and the conditions of the that presence are crucial in determining whether an initial prejudice, against a mere color, divorced from mankind is turned into brutality and hatred.” This statement to defines how racism is not natural. We