Question

Lisa Lowe writes: "Race as a mark of colonial difference is an enduring remainder of the processes through which the human is universalized and freed by liberal forms, while the peoples who created the conditions of possibility for that freedom are assimilated or forgotten. The genealogy of modern liberalism is thus also a genealogy of modern race; racial differences and distinctions designate the boundaries of the human and endure as remainders attesting to the violence of liberal universality (7)." Compose an essay in which you discuss the ways in which structural racism functions through histories and institutions of property, policing, and empire. Be sure to provide at least two concrete examples that illustrate how structural racism functions within the context of property, policing, and/or empire.

Answer 1

Structural racism refers to the ways in which racism is embedded in the structures and institutions of society, rather than in individual attitudes or actions. It is a pervasive and enduring problem that affects many aspects of life, including property, policing, and empire.

In the context of property, structural racism can be seen in the ways in which people of color are systematically excluded from homeownership and other forms of property ownership. This exclusion can take many forms, including redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and zoning laws that restrict access to certain neighborhoods or areas.

In the context of policing, structural racism can be seen in the ways in which law enforcement agencies disproportionately target and harass people of color. This can include racial profiling, excessive use of force, and discriminatory policing practices that result in higher rates of arrest, incarceration, and police violence against people of color.

In the context of empire, structural racism can be seen in the ways in which colonialism and imperialism have been used to subjugate and exploit people of color around the world. This can include the theft of land and resources, the imposition of Western cultural norms and values, and the use of military force to maintain control over colonized peoples.

Concrete examples of structural racism in these contexts include the discriminatory lending practices that led to the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States, the disproportionate use of force by police against Black Americans, and the legacy of colonialism and imperialism that continues to shape global power dynamics.

To address structural racism, it is necessary to recognize and challenge the ways in which racism is embedded in the structures and institutions of society. This can involve policy changes, institutional reforms, and a broader cultural shift towards anti-racism.