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.
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.