"How should we understand systemic discrimination, and what are the most effective ways to address deeply embedded forms of bias that operate within institutions and social structures?"
First, there are built-in assumptions: 1) that "systemic discrimination" exists (which it may, or perhaps may not) and 2) that we all share an understanding of what the term "systemic discrimination" means; and 3) that it does harm (one would assume so, but is it true? I don't know). A deeply-embedded form of bias may or may not form "systemic discrimination"; and discrimination that operates within an institution may cause all who participate in it to recoil in revulsion and yet be compelled to persist it.
We have seen dramatic shifts in social perceptions of race, gender, ability, nationality, and more over the past half-century, including some pendulum swings. The perception of positivity in race relations has declined over the past decade, alarmingly; which coincides with the concept of "systemic discrimination" coming to the fore. Thus, I need to ask - what do you mean (what do _we_ mean) by "systemic discrimination", and in what forms does it exist; and does it do good or harm by existing (or by not existing)?
When one believes that one is systemically discriminated against, or for, is that helpful? What does it do to one's self-image to believe that one is either pushed down beyond one's own control, or pulled up beyond one's own capacity for self-improvement? If one feels denied of one's rights, or that one has been given what one should instead have earned, does that create positive or negative feelings towards oneself and others?
While we as individuals and as a society should come to grips with our internal proclivities, stereotypes, and assumptions, at the same time we need to avoid replacing outdated ones with new ones that are potentially equally harmful.
[lady's & gentleman of the jury we have an actual thinker in our company today]😉
To me you have beautifully articulated a need for extreme personal responsibility in each and every one of us. Not to ‘root out discrimination in all it’s forms’(eye roll) but to push forward regardless of perceived wrongdoings.
As an Australian man living in my wife’s country of birth in Asia I could give you many examples of blatant discrimination at a macro and micro level but I won’t bore you, let’s just say I look at the level of tantrum throwing in somewhere like the US over perceived discrimination and can’t help but laugh(though at times it’s far from funny). I’m not going to surprise you with a statement like… hey, life has all sorts of challenges, sometimes fair, sometimes not…
overcoming, succeeding regardless is a wonderful thing.
I honestly believe the question asked is prevalent today more because of the offering of a victim mentality than it is the true existence of systemic oppression… but the abusive vitriol ive taken for voicing that opinion before haha. “I’ve heard the term systemic racism and no amount of statistics or level headed dialogue will make me unhear it[besides it makes me feel morally superior to repeat it]” amirite.
“Racism isn’t dead, it’s on life support. Kept alive by race hustlers, politicians, and those who get a sense of moral superiority by denouncing others as racist”-the great man(Thomas Sowell)
At my first glance I misread your sentence, but it sparked a thought that rang true to me: That the victim mentality _is_ our systemic oppression. Those who perpetuate it are indeed the ones we need to "root out".
And that's a great quote by Thomas Sowell! Now, there's a true thinker for you.
I love that last quote from her. The challenge in facing discrimination is not in how best to press on in the face of it, but staying true to the version of yourself that allows you to live with confidence and grace.
I remember hearing George Lincoln Rockwell as a 19 year old college sophomore. He was curious too and conducted research to “scientifically” prove his many prejudices. The research couldn’t be duplicated but it met the criteria that it be formalized.
I love all ZNH's quotes present here, especially the last.
I find the need to beg your Question № 03:
"How should we understand systemic discrimination, and what are the most effective ways to address deeply embedded forms of bias that operate within institutions and social structures?"
First, there are built-in assumptions: 1) that "systemic discrimination" exists (which it may, or perhaps may not) and 2) that we all share an understanding of what the term "systemic discrimination" means; and 3) that it does harm (one would assume so, but is it true? I don't know). A deeply-embedded form of bias may or may not form "systemic discrimination"; and discrimination that operates within an institution may cause all who participate in it to recoil in revulsion and yet be compelled to persist it.
We have seen dramatic shifts in social perceptions of race, gender, ability, nationality, and more over the past half-century, including some pendulum swings. The perception of positivity in race relations has declined over the past decade, alarmingly; which coincides with the concept of "systemic discrimination" coming to the fore. Thus, I need to ask - what do you mean (what do _we_ mean) by "systemic discrimination", and in what forms does it exist; and does it do good or harm by existing (or by not existing)?
When one believes that one is systemically discriminated against, or for, is that helpful? What does it do to one's self-image to believe that one is either pushed down beyond one's own control, or pulled up beyond one's own capacity for self-improvement? If one feels denied of one's rights, or that one has been given what one should instead have earned, does that create positive or negative feelings towards oneself and others?
While we as individuals and as a society should come to grips with our internal proclivities, stereotypes, and assumptions, at the same time we need to avoid replacing outdated ones with new ones that are potentially equally harmful.
Perfectly put Patty.
[lady's & gentleman of the jury we have an actual thinker in our company today]😉
To me you have beautifully articulated a need for extreme personal responsibility in each and every one of us. Not to ‘root out discrimination in all it’s forms’(eye roll) but to push forward regardless of perceived wrongdoings.
As an Australian man living in my wife’s country of birth in Asia I could give you many examples of blatant discrimination at a macro and micro level but I won’t bore you, let’s just say I look at the level of tantrum throwing in somewhere like the US over perceived discrimination and can’t help but laugh(though at times it’s far from funny). I’m not going to surprise you with a statement like… hey, life has all sorts of challenges, sometimes fair, sometimes not…
overcoming, succeeding regardless is a wonderful thing.
I honestly believe the question asked is prevalent today more because of the offering of a victim mentality than it is the true existence of systemic oppression… but the abusive vitriol ive taken for voicing that opinion before haha. “I’ve heard the term systemic racism and no amount of statistics or level headed dialogue will make me unhear it[besides it makes me feel morally superior to repeat it]” amirite.
“Racism isn’t dead, it’s on life support. Kept alive by race hustlers, politicians, and those who get a sense of moral superiority by denouncing others as racist”-the great man(Thomas Sowell)
At my first glance I misread your sentence, but it sparked a thought that rang true to me: That the victim mentality _is_ our systemic oppression. Those who perpetuate it are indeed the ones we need to "root out".
And that's a great quote by Thomas Sowell! Now, there's a true thinker for you.
I’m far from a scholar Patty, don’t even consider myself an “educated” man, but I have a few intellectual heroes, Dr Sowell is one of them.
I feel like I’ve taught myself to think a little by listening too and reading the best of em.
And yes, far too many are willing to wear the iron collar that is a victimhood mindset.
Shame on those who teach such a thing
I love that last quote from her. The challenge in facing discrimination is not in how best to press on in the face of it, but staying true to the version of yourself that allows you to live with confidence and grace.
No 5. It is beyond me.
She understood.
she must've been something, to be able to smile big and wide like that in the twisted times she was living, she was strong
Appreciate this one. So so many white dudes. Wisdom through the filter of a lot. a lot of white dudes.
I remember hearing George Lincoln Rockwell as a 19 year old college sophomore. He was curious too and conducted research to “scientifically” prove his many prejudices. The research couldn’t be duplicated but it met the criteria that it be formalized.