Essay Sample on Race & White Privilege: Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination & Racism

Introduction: Understanding Key Terms

From the first reading entitled ''Understanding Race and White Privilege,'' there are a number of terms which can get to be distinguished. They are the stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, as well as racism. They have been sued in the readings to refer to different aspects in relation to the colored and the White American race. For the because of pf the stereotypes, it refers to the widely held fixed ideologies and concepts in regard to particular people or situations. In this regard, they have been used in reference to the beliefs held concerning the colored American races, which are in most cases not true and are quite much exaggerated. It serves to form the basis of viewing the colored races as being inferior beings, hence the segregation aspect.

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The second terminology: prejudice: from the readings, has been used to mean the opinion or a viewpoint which has been preconceived, yet it has no basis of proof. Again, it has been used in the readings to refer to the unsubstantiated opinions held by the American White race in reference to the black minorities. They tend to judge them based on color, hence also a source of segregation. There is also the discrimination term, which has been used in the readings to mean the unjust treatment of different groups of people on the basis of such aspects as a race. From the reading, there has been the discrimination of the American Whites and the colored race, such that the colored race which is considered inferior are treated unjustly, such as being exempted form quality education and social services enjoyed by the White race. Finally, the term racism, as per the readings, ahs been used to mean the discrimination and ill-treatment of the people belonging to a different race under the view that they are inferior, and thus do not deserve to be treated fairly like one's own race. The above distinctions are important since they expound on the diversity of the angles in which the people of different tribes are treated, with others being considered more important than others. The distinction of the people from different races can bring about inequality, based upon biased opinions, thoughts, geographical segregation, and treatments.

Institutional Racism vs. Individual Racism

There is a difference in institutional and individual racisms. The institutional racism concerns the discriminations of the people practiced in the established societal institutions, such as schools or political offices. It is based on the differences in such an aspect as wealth, income, residential places, healthcare, and political power. On the other hand, the individual racism concerns the prejudice of the pole of other races which are considered inferior, from the perspective of the individual interactions. The above distinction is important to understand the basis of discriminations in the societies based as experienced, thus leading to the appropriate measures being applied in the courts and other places for their solution.

The Concept of "White" and "White Privilege" in 21st Century America

In the 21st century America, to be ''White'' means to be an original American citizen, as shown by the skin color as well as the possession of more than three fourth of the indigenous American blood. For the ''white privilege'', it means the superior benefits which are only meant for the Americans exclusively, and not for the colored races. From William's readings, the word 'colorblind' means to be even eyed and thus treat all races equally, where there are no instances of discrimination, prejudice, or mistreatments of some races considered inferior. The problems associated with colorblindness are that it tends to form a semblance of racism, where the colored race will live in a society in which their negative racial experiences are denied, their cultural heritage rejected, as well as their unique perspectives are rejected.

The Basis of Discrimination and the Possibility of Ending Racism

From the readings, a question of what is the basis of discrimination? Has been answered, where it emerges as a result of color. Hence, it is hard for it to end since it is anchored on the races of the people, and their differences are recognized by the law. Besides, the question: how can racism end? has been answered, where it can be offset by the application of colorblindness while at the same time embracing the uniqueness and cultural heritage of the black and white races.

Mass Incarceration as the New Jim Crow

There is Mitchell Alexander's general argument that mass incarceration is the new form of Jim crow. In this case, Jim Crow is the past caste system with laws, which promoted racial segregation. It was carried out with the intention of oppressing the blacks in the united states of America. In the case at hand, the argument that incarceration is a form of Jim crow serves to point out the unjust system involved in criminal justice in America. It shows that the incarceration practices are carried out with the aim of discrimination most of the people, and more particularly the colored races in the country. It is carried out unfairly, hence termed as the new Jim Crow. The mass incarceration is similar to the prior forms of racial control since it is meant to scare the blacks and restrict most of them as they are being discriminated. It is different from the prior forms of racial controls in the sense that segregation is less rampant. The above arguments relate to the U.S. war on drugs for the poor communities and communities with color since they are all impartial in nature, where the people of the white race are well spared while the black minorities are mistreated in the process.

The Unjust System of Criminal Justice in America

There are the changes that would be most important to make in the criminal justice the system in the united states. One of them is that the criminals should be subjected to all the laws in an equal and Levelized semblance where none of them is considered superior or inferior to the other. It will lead to the promotion of confidence in the united states criminal system. The number of criminals shall also reduce since they consider the state and national governments as being pro-people, hence no need to go against its rules and regulations in various spheres.

Conclusion

Besides, there should be the inception of common procedures of handling criminals, whether white or black. They include their apprehension, holding in custody, judgment, conviction, or acquitting. In this regard, there shall be the promotion of the colorblindness in the criminal justice system, in which the criminals from any race will feel rightly treated, which promotes some unity in the country, as the emergence of the criminals is reduced in the long run. However, the policies to be followed in the handling of criminals should be made to incept both punishments and education to reform the criminals who are found guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Essay:

What is "white privilege"?

White privilege refers to the inherent advantages and benefits that white individuals receive due to their race alone. It includes unearned privileges such as easier access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare services and presumptions of innocence that come with being perceived as white. While not implying all white individuals are wealthy or successful individuals themselves, systemic advantages granted because of race are nonetheless benefits that they reap in society.

How is mass incarceration related to Jim Crow-era racism?

Mitchell Alexander argues that mass incarceration serves as the modern-day manifestation of systemic oppression. Jim Crow refers to legalized segregation and discrimination against African Americans during a specific time in American history; similarly, mass incarceration has an adverse impact on marginalized communities through discriminatory practices within criminal justice systems that target these same populations disproportionately; mass incarceration perpetuates inequality through its criminal justice system, further contributing to systemic oppression.

What changes must occur within the criminal justice system to address racial disparities?

For criminal justice systems to be fair and just, several changes are essential. First of all, there must be equal treatment under the law so criminals from all races face equal laws and penalties - this would promote trust in its administration. Furthermore, standardizing procedures for arresting, jailing, judging and convicting criminals regardless of race would increase fairness and unity within society as a whole. It's crucial to adopt a colorblind approach while emphasizing rehabilitation as part of reform for individuals found guilty of crimes.