Comments on: What are some good ideas to write about in a anthropology paper concerning racism?

By: rick L

rick L — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:18:11 +0000

I see racism as related to a form of legal and illegal drug abuse for groups of persons. I see when a group of persons share among things the same race, heritage, language, etc. They then have the opportunity to have a shared ability to release their angers, frustrations, anxieties, and even exercise group protection and control over others for that one group’s essentials of life (food, clothing, shelter, esteem, etc.) by having a shared outlet for releasing their frustrations anxieties upon others outside their group. In a way, this represents a form of drug abuse or outlet or shared **** upon others outside one’s group.

These days it is considered not politically correct in public for society to be a ******. However, the false belief Males should be strong and that all aggression directed toward Males will help make Males stronger (worse even young children who are Males witnessing this) in the media, press, school, and employment, has now also provided a form of drug release for society upon Males. Since Males are not allowed to complain, this makes it a much better avenue for release of frustration and anxiety for society.

By: username_hidden

username_hidden — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:17:56 +0000

How about considering how some, especially on the political left, use false charges of racism to stifle valid debate – for instance concerning the implications of immigration? Also think about how there can be a tendency for elements of some minority groups to exaggerate and exploit a sense of victimhood for political ends.

By: tmadhava m

tmadhava m — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:17:24 +0000

your emphasis is likely to be on “how each society handles racism, expresses it, etc.”
First, challenge the existence of “racism” as a theory believed in in each of the countries. Probably Japan and Africa (except South Africa) are places where racism is not prevalent; Africa where it is detested. USA is still showing remnants of the theory that used to be so strongly held until a few decades back. this should give you a lot to write about.
Second, trace the history of racial prejudice in each of the countries – how Japan saw only the Ainus as the other race, while Africa is a musuem of human diversity. USA used it to oppress and exploit.
Third, trace the reactions against racism. Intellectual debates, scientific theories, and facts on the one side; civil disobedience movements, fights, campaigns, conscientization on the other.

I think you can write fifty pages if you cover all the above.

By: bobgeller

bobgeller — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:46:37 +0000

First, define “racism”. I find that it means a belief that one “race” is genetically superior to another, much like the 18th century concept of negroes as subhuman creatures. Whereas most of us have realized the fault in that, some groups may not, and could give you a starting point. Establishing societal prejudice is another question!

By: broonie

broonie — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:50:05 +0000

There is no such ism as racism, and if you are a student of anthropology you should know that there is only the one human race, and any differences in nationalities are are purely superficial brought about by living conditions which include food, weather and culture. Different societies handle colour prejudice in different ways , depending upon how ignorant they are, and it you really want to see the an end of it then you need to get rid of ignorance from our midst. That includes your own !

By: benicio b

benicio b — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:26:08 +0000

What do you mean differences?

I would look at the cultures’ view on the actual concept of race as “biological” and as a social construct. This should give you plenty of information.

Another piece of information is to look at racism from an ehtnographic point of view related to those cultures when exposed to each other. For example, americans in Japan, Japanese in the USA and so on.

Another thing to look at is how it is socialized or institutionalized in school, family, media, and other cultural institutions.

By: TBaT

TBaT — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Maybe talk about how racism has changed in those countries over the decades. Or how anthropologist’s views on race has changed, like how anthropologists used to classify people as ‘negroids’ and such. Thats all I can think of. I have my own 8-10 page paper due in a week haha.