race today--culture & the law

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

As a "minority", I can say that racism is still present. I get called names on the street atleast twice a month.

Does that mean all "white" people are racists? No.

Does htat mean only minorities experience racism? No.

Race and racism is a complex thing. It has no one "real" cause. It if often used as an excuse or a tool by some who are frustrated with life for some reason or the other. Some, it is simply a way of life (On of my old managers had the nerve to come and tell me that "My Daddy always told me never to trust Asians and never to trust ****ers").

I for one think racism is mroe than just the colour of ones skin or physical appearance. I think "culture" (or atleast 'popular stereo-types of "culture") play an enormous role in race relations today.

For example, the "popular stereo-type" of the "angry black man". Why are blacks viewed to be of the more "violent" sort? Where did this stereo-type spring from?

On the other hand, we have acts like "Affirmative Action" which still cause debate and controversy today. Race and inter-race conflict has brought about changes in laws - Civil Rights being just ONE of the notable examples.

What would also be interesting is to see the condition of the african-american community today - especially in comparision to pre- and post- civil rights movement era. Is there a marked difference? Did the Civil Rights movement significantly affect and greatly increase the quality of life of african americans in the US? Has it made a difference in bringing minorites on par with the rest of America?

Points to ponder.

On a lighter note, racial tensions gives people like Dave Chapelle ammunition and for fans like myself, a night of laughs. :rotfl:

NurseGuy_in_06 · Nov 28, 2004

Hi all...i'm doing some recovery from my tonsillectomy, hating life right now and trying to finish a paper before tuesday. I'm in a college history class, and the paper topic question is
how do culture and the law interact in the evolution of race today?
Any and all feedback is welcomed, I just don't know where I want to take this paper. Please I know this may be a touchy topic for some but I would love to hear your voices. Thank you so much:rolleyes:

I did a similar paper for Sociology class. Assuming you mean race "relations" today I would pick out three specific topics and expand on them. For example, the civil rights act of 1965, the appointment of the first black to the supreme court and how it affected the civil rights interpretation of the time, and contrast that to the appointment of a conservative black to the supreme court, Clarence Thomas. It worked for me. This yielded about six typed pages for me.

stbernardclub · Nov 28, 2004

Oh thats a huge subject. Think about civil rights, affirmative action, certain holidays we celebrate, acknowlegement of certain groups,when we can't acknowlege certain religions , racism....huge topic...good luck

Hi all...i'm doing some recovery from my tonsillectomy, hating life right now and trying to finish a paper before tuesday. I'm in a college history class, and the paper topic question is
how do culture and the law interact in the evolution of race today?
Any and all feedback is welcomed, I just don't know where I want to take this paper. Please I know this may be a touchy topic for some but I would love to hear your voices. Thank you so much:rolleyes:

hittme123 · Nov 28, 2004

thanks for your input--helps very much to get me started