Race and Racism Flashcards
What is “critical communication theory” in the context of race?
A framework for analyzing race and racism through communication. Not the same as “Critical Race Theory,” though “critical race theory” may be used as shorthand.
What historical and geographic areas does this approach focus on?
Primarily the USA and UK, but also notes Canada’s own history of racism and discrimination.
What is the quote by Mari Matsuda (1993) about hate speech?
“Tolerance of hate speech is not tolerance borne by the community at large. Rather, it is a psychic tax imposed on those least able to pay.”
Tolerating hate speech doesn’t affect everyone equally. Instead, it places a heavy emotional and psychological burden—what the quote calls a “psychic tax”—on the people targeted by that speech. These are often marginalized groups who are already struggling, making them the least able to bear that added harm.
What is Critical Race Theory (CRT)?
An intellectual movement, body of scholarship, and toolset for analyzing the relationship between law and racial inequality; originated in law schools examining race-based sentencing disparities.
What is Black Lives Matter (BLM)?
A decentralized movement (2013–) against anti-Black police violence and racial discrimination, sparked by deaths like Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown.
How many civilians were killed by US police (Jan 2015–July 2016)?
Around 1,499 to 1,702 deaths; databases show 442 were Black.
George Floyd’s murder impact?
Sparked protests by 16–28 million Americans (8% of population) on May 25, 2020.
What is the “Anti-CRT” movement?
A vilification campaign funded by right-wing think tanks and influencers targeting public education and promoting privatization.
Who are key figures and organizations behind anti-CRT?
Influencers: Chris Rufo, James Lindsay, etc.
Organizations: Heritage Foundation, Koch Industries, Daily Wire, Fox News, Federalist Society, ALEC, etc.
What’s notable about James Lindsay’s rhetoric?
Claims the far-left has created a new “religion” that sees racism as a white trait and fascism as opposition to their goals.
What are key dates in U.S. racial history?
1619: First African slaves in Virginia
1865: 13th Amendment ends slavery
1934: FHA supports only white mortgages
1964: Civil Rights Act
2021: Anti-CRT backlash begins
What is the “War on Drugs” and its impact?
Began in 1971; led to mass incarceration. African Americans = 12–13% of pop., 44% of prisoners. Also caused disenfranchisement and housing/job discrimination.
Racial wealth gap (2016)?
Median net worth:
White: $143,600
Black: $12,920
Native American: $5,700
Black families have $5.04 for every $100 of white families.
How does education affect racial wealth?
Even with higher education, wealth gaps persist between racial groups.
How does Tiger Woods describe his race?
“Cablinasian” – a mix of Caucasian, Black, Native American, and East Asian heritage.
How does Statistics Canada define race?
Visible minorities are non-Caucasian or non-white; Indigenous peoples are not considered visible minorities.
Is ‘race’ a biological fact?
No. It’s a social, political, economic, and cultural concept, not a biological reality.
What was the old view of race?
Based on physical appearance (hair, skin, bone), but genetic variation is individual, not racial.
How did European colonialism shape race concepts?
Contact became conquest; racial hierarchies formed to justify European superiority.
Who first used “race” in classification?
Johann F. Blumenbach (1795) – divided humans into five races: Caucasian, Malayan, Ethiopian, American, Mongolian.
How did racial classifications become legal tools?
Laws gave social meaning to physical traits to discriminate, control, and regulate – e.g., “quadroon” (1/4 Black), “octoroon” (1/8 Black).
What example is used to show cultural implications of racial classification?
Video Clip: Rabbit Proof Fence – refers to “unwanted third race” and strict racial categorizations in Australia.
What is the dominant (but flawed) understanding of racism in the U.S. according to Adam Hodges?
It’s an individualistic view that sees racism only as personal prejudice or overt bigotry, ignoring systemic and structural racism.
Why is the idea of being “colorblind” harmful in discussions about race and policing?
It denies the role of race and implicit bias in police interactions, allowing people to excuse racial injustice by saying “race had nothing to do with it.”
