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Equally shared power between the rulers and the ruled does not exist under any form of government or in any social circumstance. Read More
Racism and the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Jack, I enjoyed reading your thoughts about the dynamics of power and social change. However, there must be acquiescence by members of a former majority bloc for a minority group to gain influence. For example, as you wrote, whites joined the rank and file of the NAACP in large numbers to support the civil rights movement.
What changes led whites to join the rank and file of the NAACP in large numbers?
White membership in the NAACP
I believe the large white membership in the NAACP was due to the confluence of personal orientation and environmental factors. A large number of white people said to themselves, "Racial discrimination is wrong; it must be corrected." This collective consciousness emerged in an environment that was receptive to change. The missing element at the time was the reluctance of final-decision makers to yield power. At first, they bestowed created power, which is impotent. Eventually, the final decision-makers decided to share true power when it was inevitable that if they did not they would loose all their power. My contention is that final decision-makers do not voluntarily acquiesce power as you eluded to in your comments. The threat of the loss of power causes final decision-makers to yield power, albeit reluctantly. No one in power wants to give up power unless it is absolutely necessary for them to remain in power. That is human nature.
Completely misses the point.
Racism is not a power struggle. It's a set of beliefs, and it's science's job to check whether those beliefs are correct, or mistaken. People who study and observe the world end up believing in things, and racism is just one of those things many people think is true based on their research.
A question...
Jack,
You commented: "Racism, the intentional abuse of social custom and legislative power, prevents minorities from fully participating as final decision-makers in the social, economic, and political system of the majority".
Regarding your professional observations in racism, how do you consider the current situation of illegal immigration in our nation, and how does this statement fit into our current national dialogue? Are illegal aliens to be afforded rights to make them “minorities” as noted in your piece?
-Eric
Illegal immigration
Notwithstanding legal arguments, illegal immigrants, by their mere existence in America, form a minority group. They will only achieve decision-making authority when they pose a significant threat to the decision-makers. There is a lot of personal conviction among both illegal immigrants and citizens alike. Unfortunately, the environment is not favorable to their cause. Illegal immigrants are being used as a pawn by both political parties. The Democrats curry favor from legal Mexican and Central American immigrants by supporting the illegal immigrant cause because Hispanics typically vote democratically. The Republicans take the opposite stance to pander their consultancy. The key factor is that middle-America, regardless of party affiliation, does not support the illegal immigrant cause. Until this happens, illegal immigrants will not be included in the decision-making process. At best, they may be given created power, but that day is not going to come in the near or the mid-term. Keeping or taking power has nothing to do with morality; it is about the final decision-makers ability to keep power in order to set the social and political agendas. Unless the environmental climate changes, nothing will change.
Illegal immigration
Jack,
I completely agree with your assessment of this hot button topic and appreciate you taking time to reply. I do have one more observation on my part as to propose an inquiry that, in its context would fuel the illegal immigrant conundrum.
A famous line from the Watergate scandal was “Follow the money”. With that in mind, what happens to all the money that is withheld from the paychecks of the millions of illegal immigrants who, under false Social Security numbers (identity) have FICA, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from their paychecks? I have no data on the percentage, but I would wager that the majority do not file tax returns, claim SS benefits, nor will count on Medicare due to their false status. Where does this money go? Could this be the driver for our government’s neglect of this matter? Please take a moment to assist me with understanding this matter; I would appreciate it.
-Eric
your right
and even after all this time white privelege still reighns in the u.s no matter who the pres. is.
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