Systemic racism has a long history in the United States and is still a social problem. This is one of the themes observed in The Other Black Girl and The Dutchman (Jackson A16; Salem 2). The sources used in analyzing the two stories provide evidence that systemic racism remains a major issue in American society. Kohli et al. examine the theme of systemic racism in the American basic education system (84). The research concludes that the authors find that the education system discriminates against people of color because of their race.
Most countries in Europe have turned the racism issue into the mechanism of modern state power. Murray concludes that systematic racism is an issue that many states use in making decisions about leadership in key state institutions (33). Sharma examines the theme of racism in the state of Hawaii, a state that is home to people from different geographical backgrounds (33). Despite being a multiracial paradise, the state has an inherent anti-black racism deeply rooted in its history.
Radical empathy appears as a major theme in studies on systemic racism. In her journal, Terri Givens discusses the theme of radical empathy as a means of providing real changes in people’s lives, especially in a society where racism and discrimination are major issues in the country (3-8). However, the author argues that practicing empathy has changed into racism in many countries (Givens 8). Cole discusses the issue of diversity and inclusiveness, arguing that society needs to embrace them as a virtue since they are essential to a healthy and productive society (28). The author focuses on the American higher education system to explore the vulnerability of institutions to the influence of systemic racism and their implications in society.
Works Cited
Cole, Johnnetta Betsch. Racism in American Public Life: A Call to Action. University of Virginia Press, 2021.
Givens, Terri E. Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides. Bristol University Press, 2021.
Jackson, Naomi. “The Other Black Girl’ should be at the top of your summer reading list.” The Washington Post, Web.
Kohli, Rita, et al. “The ‘New Racism’ of K-12 Schools: Centering Critical Research on Racism.” Review of Research in Education, vol. 41, 2017, pp. 182–202. Web.
Murray, Stuart J. “The Suicidal State: In Advance of an American Requiem.” Philosophy & Rhetoric, vol. 53, no. 3, 2020, pp. 299–305. JSTOR, Web.
Salem, Hoda Abdel Ghaffar. “Symbolism and Race in Amiri Baraka’s Dutchman.” European Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, vol. 9, no. 4, 2021, pp. 1-9. Web.
Sharma, Nitasha Tamar. Hawai’i is My Haven: Race and Indigeneity in the Black Pacific. Duke University Press, 2021.