Racism and White Privilege

In conclusion to reading both of the assigned articles, Defining Racism and White Privilege, I feel more conscience of the fact of racism. I understand the articles really well, and I think they prove a valid point. They both acknowledge the fact that white people do not even realize that some of their thoughts are racists because of how naturally segregated our society is. As Americans, we tend to flock to those we are most comfortable with, which in most cases are those of the same race. This is true because of the judgement and assumptions that are passed down from generation to generation. Labels are placed on certain people and follow them and other people similar to them.
It is ridiculous how ignorant of racism our society is today. I agree with Tatum in the aspect that with all of the news and other controversies, how could someone not be aware of racism? But I also know how oblivious Americans can be about recognizing issues of this sort. It’s like some prefer to pretend it’s not there do they do not have to deal with it; when others take it to the complete opposite extreme. I have always been one to know that racism exists, but I have never realized how much it really impacts my life. I feel like Peggy McIntosh makes a good point when discussing the “white privilege”. She mentions how, as white people, we are just born into a particular environment and have certain things handed to us and taught to us about others that give us a specific perspective on life and who to trust. We learn these actions and thoughts naturally from our parents and other influential figures in our lives. These outlooks definitely made me think and gave me a new perspective of racism.

Unreal Expectations

After reading pages 211-230 in the Reading Culture text, I must say that I agree with everything it states. This reading mainly focuses on the effects advertising makes on the world today and discusses how it creates unreal expectations mostly for women and somewhat for men, too. Nothing from this essay surprised me because I know that it has been an issue for my whole life. I personally hate the way magazines and advertising uses the skinny unrealistic girls or women for their photos. It makes the rest of the world feel bad about themselves and creates low self-esteem for women of all ages.
I personally have experienced a close friend who fell for all the ridiculous crap media tries to feed us. My close friend got caught up in her looks and impressing others by how she looks on the outside. She felt she needed to be skinnier to be pretty or to get attention from guys when in reality she was already one of the skinniest most in shape girls in school. But because of all the ads and pictures in magazines, she saw herself as ugly and not wanted by guys. In attempt to make herself better, she started eating less and working out more which led to an eating disorder called anorexia. Even though this wasn’t only caused by media’s messages, they still played a huge role in it. I will forever hold a grudge on advertising and magazines for encouraging women to torture themselves in numerous ways. My friend is only one of millions to do so. So I really take this topic to heart, and I thought it was interesting reading further into the intentions and specific details ads focus on. I really wish they would focus on all the details and encourage other things other than unhealthy lifestyles.