Question
Angela P. Harris, Charles W. Mills, Cheryl I. Harris, and Neil Gotanda carefully articulated the various ways the doctrine of white supremacy impeded racial equality and institutionalized racism in America. A. Harris gives a sweeping historical overview of the process; Mills lays bare the ideological foundations of “white supremacy” in the nation’s social contract; C. Harris argued that “whiteness” was weaponized as a tool of domination and perversion of nonwhites; and Neil Gotanda asserts that the metaphor of colorblindness disguises white racial dominance and entrenches racism in judicial matters.
If whiteness as property legitimized white supremacy, and colorblindness covers up the injustices of the system, both continue to be stumbling blocks towards racial equality, equity, and social justice. With the hindsight of history, what, in your view, must the United States do to eliminate racism? Given their long investment in the topic, the authors seem to think that this is possible. Utilizing a specific example from your everyday experience or from a film shown in class, examine how racial justice can be achieved? Your essay must a) demonstrate an awareness of the political situation of the country; b) show serious reflection of the issue under consideration; and c) reflect an awareness of the critical positions of these four authors.
[Yes, this may be a tall order, but that is what research writing is about. Again, facile and glib responses are unacceptable. Note: NO QUOTATIONS ALLOWED. Ideas taken from any of the four articles listed in the image below must be referenced. Writing must be analytical, not a summarization of the legal scholars’ writings. Research writing style involves developing your arguments meticulously, using the legal scholars’ evidence which includes giving precise page references, and demonstrating the link between the authors’ theoretical perspectives and your argument. Make sure to include a Bibliography or Work Cited]
