The broadcast begins with a collection of statements from individuals. One man in particular shares his experience of growing up a racist, and how one of the hardships is first confronting the fact that you're a racist. The second part is acknowledging that the ones you love raised you that way. I relate strongly to this man's story because I grew up in a small town here in Utah and was rarely exposed to diversity. I never regarded myself or any of my family members as being racist, until I was about 16 years old. I started to notice little comments from my family and certain tendencies I had adapted. I've definitely changed my way of thinking, but most of my family has not. A big reason I don't get on Facebook is because I don't want to read arrogant comments from those I love.
The broadcast goes on to discuss the role racism has taken in the current election. Ever since Donald Trump said that Mexican immigrants are rapists, racism has become a huge issue in this campaign. Of course racism has always been apart of politics, however, this election has brought on the new question "what is whiteness?" Several discussions regarding white privilege have flooded social media. This is a discussion that people should be having, but I personally think that social media tends to generated more hate rather than solutions.
I think the argument over the term whiteness is ridiculous and pointless. While I acknowledge that white privilege exists, I do not think whiteness can ever truly be defined. The broadcast even states that the term is forever changing and molding to benefit those who feel entitled to it. It is just another way to try and separate people. Skin color is not a tool in which you can categorize someone. This election has been centered on racism and caused a huge divide in America. I believe we really are the United States of Anxiety because of this current election.
Jenny, I like how you said the term "whiteness" is forever changing. I agree with this. It will be interesting in coming years to see how else this term is defined, and I think social media will be a huge part of this. I agree Facebook generates more hate than solutions, but I would also say it's been used as a tool to effectively bring awareness to racism, especially with this presidential election.
ReplyDeleteWatch the film, Bullworth, when you get a chance.
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