Reflect

The definitions in this section were consistent with my understanding of the types of racism. The four levels of racism though was different for me. I have heard of individual racism, structural racism and institutional racism, but I have never heard of interpersonal racism. At least the term anyways. I do understand that racism occurs between individuals, but I have never heard the term before of interpersonal racism. I really enjoyed the systemic racism video because I do think it further cemented what systemic racism means and what can be done about it. I also like that it connected back the idea of implicit bias. I enjoy that the resources continue to connect back to each other and connect each week building upon each other. My growth as an educator in the Syracuse city school district stems from a deep feeling of remorse for how I was raised as a young white woman. Both of my parents are incredibly racist individuals, and as I grew up I knew it was wrong but I never knew how to exactly cope with those feelings. Now as an adult, I am more aware of my own implicit bias, and how they affect my interactions with the students that I teach and I work everyday on building deep connections with my students and showing them that I value them as individuals and the unique personalities they bring to the classroom. I think that many of our students struggle with racism when they go to the mall, or even as they walk down the hallways. I think that many do have resentment towards their white teachers because they feel as though their teachers “are out to get them” or are “racist”, but it is our job as educators to show that is not true.

 Were the definitions in this section consistent with your understanding of the types of racism? If not, how did they differ? ● How have you seen internalized racism reflected in your experiences? How does it show up in your school or community?

I was aware of the definitions of structural and institutional racism, but the terms individual and interpersonal were new to me. The definition for individual racism could be gathered by its name, but it was interesting for me to read about interpersonal racism and how dangerous bringing our own beliefs into relationships can be. 

I have seen internalized racism a lot in schools, sadly. I think that internalized racism can even be unconscious and that we all have it to some degree. For example, I was chatting the other day with an ELA teacher who is a Hispanic woman. She told me that she is constantly mistaken for the Spanish teacher- even by her own colleagues. 

We worked a lot with these definitions last year during our creative writing and journalism class, so I was fairly familiar with the definitions. Systemic racism is evident in our schools when comparing my own children's school. The taxes are much lower in the SCSD in comparison to the school district I live in, therefore, SCSD has much less to offer its students than the district my own children attend- which is predominantly white, suburban school district. A lot of the racism I've experienced has been on a personal/interpersonal level where one persons racism is impacting another. However, I've done a lot of work around our justice system which is a clearly systemic issue that goes back hundreds of years.  

The visual and definitions of the four forms of racism (structural, institutional, Interpersonal, and individual) make sense to me. I will say, however, that, as a white person, the more over-arching and abstract the level, the harder it is for me to “get”… but that’s probably a sign of my privilege! It is easier to understand the individual and interpersonal levels.

I have to say, I haven’t really seen any examples of racism in the schools I’ve worked it. However, I have seen it in my own family. For instance, my dad was very against me dating someone black. He said that only certain types of white women date black men. He elaborated that these women tended to be trashy and poor, and cheated on frequently, and he didn’t want me to be seen by the world as that kind of girl, and that I can “do better”. It also cropped up when my husband and I were choosing baby names. We liked Violet, and my husband’s aunt’s response was “Violet is a black name”. Underwritten in her tone was the clear message that being a black name was something undesirable. Similarly, when I showed my mom my list of possible baby names, she remarked, “Gemma seems like a black name, but I like it anyway.” This seems to support the information proposed that having a black name on a resume could result in less interviews and job offers. In my last example, I had a couple of friends from Ghana in high school. They loved driving, and liked to go places without directions and get lost and figure out their way. One day they were due to come over, and we got a phone call from a concerned neighbor that there “were some darkies driving around the area, so be on your guard”. That was a clear instance of assuming black people did not belong, and were up to no good.

Reflect on and answer the following questions: Were the definitions in this section consistent with your understanding of the types of racism? If not, how did they differ?

Yes, I think the definitions of the different types of racism were consistent with my understanding.  

How have you seen internalized racism reflected in your experiences? How does it show up in your school or community?
During the developmental period of emerging adulthood, black young adults, particularly those attending predominantly white secondary schools or universities   may be at increased risk of experiencing race-related stress. Many areas of the educational system in the United States promote a Eurocentric pedagogical tradition, which serves to alienate students of different descent from the curriculum, consequently perpetuating internalized racism. These negative experiences also occur at a time when there is reduced parental involvement. Additionally, the developmental task of developing a healthy identity may be an area of increased stress for this population as they grapple with the significance and meaning of an identity that is commonly devalued in society and is often in direct conflict with the Eurocentric values.

One of the most obvious signs of discrimination is seen in housing.  But it also exists, not so obviously, in our government and other institutions and the decisions they make. One can only wonder as to why code enforcement, for instance, isn't as well enforced in the city when it comes to housing.  A significant number of our students have to live in environments that are both lead and fire risks. Why is that?  Why are so many landlords in the city given a pass? Why are they still allowed to rent units that don't meet safety standards?? Just crossing the city line can be a stunner. What government policies are or are not being followed?

The definitions of racism discussed in this section were very consistent with my personal understanding, although most likely because of the significant number of graduated levels I have taken at universities with a strong push towards social justice in schools. I certainly was not aware of the larger, systemic forms of racism before that. One of the biggest takeaways I am receiving lately is to ensure that my materials and discussions and even own personal thoughts are strength, not defecit based. I strongly believe all students can learn but find myself at times falling in the deficit thinking rhetoric that our society has propogandized. I also am reading a lot of research that completely debunks the effectiveness of segregation in any form, including ability tracking and ENL sheltering.