Race & Ethnicity - Chapter 13

How Racism Hurts and Antiracism Helps Everyone

Antiracism

Acting in opposition to the racist operation of society on the individual, institutional, or societal level.

Interest convergence.

Coined by Derrick Bell, this term suggests that Whites will support an antiracist policy that directly benefits them, a policy in which their interests converge with the intended beneficiaries.

White fragility.

Coined by Robin DiAngelo, refers to the racial stress and defensive responses triggered when White people engage in conversations about race and privilege.

White transparency.

The idea that Whiteness often goes unnamed and unnoticed and in this way maintains power.

Internal Inequality

Coined by Emile Durkheim - stems from the personal characteristics of individuals. This type of inequality contributes to society, ensuring that the most capable and productive people receive more rewards than the less capable and productive. This reward system encourages people to work hard and contribute to society in Durkheim’s view.

External Inequality

Coined by Emile Durkheim - describe a different type of inequality; external inequality is based on ascribed statuses that individuals cannot control (like race). This type of inequality prevents some people from fully participating and contributing to society. It harms society because it deprives it from what some of its members could contribute, if given the chance. Essentially, external inequality is problematic because this type of inequality based on ascribed status is undeserved