Racial Conflict Essay, Research Paper
The issue of racial conflict has caused great controversy for many centuries. Conflict which is incited by racism is often thought to be the most heinous of all conflicts because it is unfounded and based on utterly false beliefs. Racial conflict, in essence, arises when prejudice or discrimination occurs based solely on racial factors between certain races. The severe nature of racial conflict can be clearly seen by examining two distinct areas: the perception of racial inequality, as well as stereotyping. Instances of racial conflict can be drawn from two fictional literary works, Joy Kogawa s Obasan (1981) and E.M. Forster s A Passage To India (1924).
Racial Inequality exists and is maintained by differential power between a dominant and subordinate group in society. (Li p.5) This is a reality of racism in today s society. Members of one race often see themselves as being justifiably superior to other racial groups. This is clearly demonstrated in A Passage to India, when a British character states, You re superior to everyone in India except one or two of the ranis . . . (Forster p.61). Inequality has also caused certain people to be unfairly excluded from many facets of society.
But then the Club moved slowly; it still declared the few Muhammedans and no Hindus would eat at an Englishmen s
table . . . (Forster p. 83).
In the preceding passage it is stated that people other than (White) British citizens were not allowed to dine at an exclusive club. This is an obvious sign of the blatant inequality practiced by British citizens towards indigenous Indians. Even in Joy Kogawa s novel, Obasan, it is discernable that Japanese Canadians were treated unequally due simply to their ethnicity.
Strange how these protestors are so much more vehement about Canadian-born Japanese than they are about German-born Germans. I guess it s because we look different. What it boils down to is an undemocratic racial antagonism . . . (Kogawa p.82).
Historically, people belonging to racial backgrounds other than the dominant ones in society were treated differently, and often unfairly. The protagonist in Obasan, Naomi Nakane, realizes at an early age that Japanese Canadians were perceived to be subordinate to White Canadians. She states, . . . the lowly Jap will be bedded down like livestock in stalls . . . (Kogawa p.88). This comment as well as her statement, We re a lower order of people (Kogawa p.88) clearly demonstrates that Naomi not only knew of the inequality which existed, but began to believe in it as well. The antagonist of Forster s A Passage To India has a realization which is parallel and akin to that of Naomi in regards to racial inequality. Miss Quested, Dr. Aziz s alleged victim and accuser, states, He [Dr. Aziz] didn t come into the club. He said he wasn t allowed to. (Forster p.51). It is distinctly apparent that Dr. Aziz realizes the inequality which he is assigned, and like Naomi, begins to accept the perceptions of inequality as literal truths.
Another area which entails racial conflict occurs with stereotyping.
Stereotyping reflects a universal tendency to reduce a complex phenomena to simplistic explanations that are generalized to a whole category without acknowledging individual differences. (Elliott and Fleras p.104)
In A Passage To India, Dr. Aziz was berated and insulted for what appeared to be a minor oversight in his dress. . . . and there you have the Indian all over: inattention to detail ; the fundamental slackness that reveals the race. (Forster p.97). In this excerpt, Dr. Aziz was being ridiculed and his entire race was discriminated against simply because he did not affix his back collar stud , which incidentally, he selflessly gave away to a friend who did not have one. Again Indians are insulted and the same stereotypical assertion is made when it is stated, Slack Hindus they have no idea of society (Forster p.86).
Japanese Canadians also faced a barrage of stereotyping and racist attitudes which were so often directed upon them. Naomi recalls a high-ranking government official who made the accusation that . . . we [Japanese-Canadians] were all spies and saboteurs. (Kogawa p.82). This was an extremely stereotypical comment and had neither any merit nor any semblance of truth in regards to it.
In E.M Forster s literary work, A Passage To India, stereotyping was accepted as a fact-of-life from both the men and women who practiced it. While most of the stereotyping projected by men in the novel was of a direct and very blatant manner, the British women in the novel expressed their extremely stereotypical behaviour in more subtle ways. For instance, the following exchange took place at a racially integrated social event:
Please tell these [Indian] ladies that I wish I could speak their language, but we have only just come to their country.
Perhaps we speak yours a little , one of the ladies said.
Why fancy she understands! (Forster p.62)
This sort of stereotyping epitomizes the state of mind which the perpetrators existed in. The British women involved in this exchange apparently assumed that the Indian women did not know the English language, and excused members of their party for not learning their native tongue since they had just recently arrived to India. They never imagined that the Indian women, after living through years of British rule could speak the English language. This na ve behaviour once again presents itself when a subordinate Indian not only interprets what is being said between two British characters, but also summarizes and analyzes it as well, much to the awe of the British men who state,
. . . we never dreamt that an Indian could be a channel of communication between two English people. (Forster p.99)
Stereotypical behaviour seems to have infiltrated every member of society: man, woman, and alarmingly, even children. Children, feeling the need to fit in and be accepted, often mimic the actions of elders. This is illustrated in Obasan when Naomi recounts the hatred with which a young boy voiced the following accusatory statement: All the Jap kids are going to be sent away and they re bad and you re a Jap! (Kogawa p.70).
Although racial conflict encompasses issues other than the perception of inequality and stereotyping, these two issues seem to epitomize most incidents from which this sort of conflict are derived. It has been said:
Any society predicated on unequal relations, regardless of the criteria employed including race or ethnicity, can be derived as a socially stratified society. (Elliott and Fleras p.104.)
The above quote clearly shows that racial conflict arises when unequal relations or inequality exists within a society. Stereotyping is a disturbing and commonly practiced form of prejudice which often leads to racial conflict.
Stereotypes in themselves are harmless. Problems arise when these preconceived mental images give way to discriminatory practices. (Li p.219)
It is clear that once harbored, stereotypes and the perception of racial inequality lead to the manifestation of racial conflict, the seeds of which draw boundaries within society.
326
Другие работы по теме:
Cronon On Education Essay Research Paper Cronon
Cronon On Education Essay, Research Paper Cronon on Education Having read Victor’s story not realizing until the very end that “Victor” in the story was the author made it much more confusing! I realize that the issue here is about racial and social discrimination as well as about education and following your own ideals instead of the rest of society’s.
Discrimination Against Blacks In America Essay Research
Paper As the 21st century nears, we face the challenge of living in an increasingly multicultural society. Humans have to overpass the equality issue. Much suffering and deaths have taken place and it s time to change it. Many forget that discrimination still exists in all parts of the world. I hope to understand why this discrimination exists and I specially want the reader to realize that it s not only a black vs. white conflict, it s all the races of the world that suffer.
Hobbit Essay Research Paper The main conflict
Hobbit Essay, Research Paper The main conflict in this novel is ultimately the acquisition of the lost treasure of the dwarves hoarded by Smaug (the great dragon under the mountain).
Was The Civil War Inevitable Essay Research
Paper Was the war that took the lives of six-hundred thousand people avoidable? Did young men from the North and South die in a conflict that could have been solved through negotiation? The Civil War was an inevitable conflict which was bound to explode due to the failure of politics and the North and South’s dispute over the issue of slavery.
Racial Profiling Essay Research Paper Despite the
Racial Profiling Essay, Research Paper Despite the civil rights victories of 30 years ago, official racial prejudice is still reflected throughout the criminal justice system. For people of color in cities large and small across this nation, north and south, east and west, Jim Crow “justice” is alive and well.
What I Have With My Girlfriend Essay
, Research Paper In this paper I will write about an issue that I have with my girlfriend. This issue has been going on for about a year now. My girlfriend feels that I should not hang out with certain friends that I have that are girls. She does not want me to hang out with them because she has her own conflicts with my friends or just does not like them.
Satire Essay Research Paper With all of
Satire Essay, Research Paper With all of the problems in today s society, it is great to know that we have one great thing going for us. That would be the talented men and women of our government. The powerful president, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors, and other politicians work together to keep this country it s very best.
Macbeth Vs Macduff Essay Research Paper Macbeth
Macbeth Vs. Macduff Essay, Research Paper Macbeth vs. Macduff The conflict between Macbeth and Macduff is very important, one which ultimately leads to the demise of Macbeth. Macduff, who at one point is very loyal to Macbeth, becomes Macbeth s adversary as time progresses.
Tragedy Of Pudd
’nhead Wilson Essay, Research Paper The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson is one of Mark Twain’s most thorough examinations of the institution of slavery and the superficiality of racial prejudice. It was written during an era when Jim Crow segregation was spreading throughout the South and was published two years before the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of segregation in Plessy v.
American History X Essay Research Paper In
American History X Essay, Research Paper In many ways, the media must be involved in ethnic and racial issues. The media is to provide the public with information useful to them. The media is on the public’s side. Racial stereotyping is a problem that is out in the public. Drugs, teen pregnancy, child abuse and rape are also problems that affect the people of the world everyday.
Model Society Essay Research Paper Model SocietyMy
Model Society Essay, Research Paper Model Society My model society would be a small society consisting of about one hundred to two hundred people. The people in this society would all believe in the same god, they would also all be the same race. Those are two large issues that cause major conflict among a society.
Civil War By Edward Hagenlocher Essay Research
Paper Migration west brought South and North into conflict over slavery. Earlier compromises between the sections had succeeded because slavery had been a relatively minor issue; major differences usually revolved around culture, economics, and the balance of power. However, by the 1840s, slavery and its expansion became a central, pivotal issue.
Conflict Or Order Essay Research Paper Crystal
Conflict Or Order Essay, Research Paper Crystal Weigel November 7, 2000 ?Conflict or Order: Satisfaction With Everyday Life in the US? Introduction The motivation of this attitude survey is to test structural-functional model and the social conflict model for how society works in the United States. The social-functional paradigm is ?a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability?.
The Causes Of The War Of 1812
Essay, Research Paper The War of 1812 was not merely a battle against an external foe but stemmed from internal problems as well. The external enemy that the United States was facing was Britain, but that was not the most severe dilemma that they faced. The real problem that was occurring during this time was the internal struggle going on in the United States of America.
Group Work Outline Essay Research Paper Group
Group Work Outline Essay, Research Paper Group Conflict Resolution Annotated Outline I. Introduction In this section, we will state our topic, which is group conflict resolution. We will present the subtopics we will focus on in the paper. We will briefly tie the four subtopics into each other under the umbrella topic of group conflict resolution.
American Culture And Gender Vs. Racial Differences
Essay, Research Paper American Culture and Gender vs. Racial Differences With all of the social and economic gains made by women and ethnic groups through the past 30 years, it is amazing how America still focuses on both gender and racial differences. It doesn’t matter if you are African American, Caucasion, Asian or whatever.
The Cause Of Conflict Essay Research Paper
The Cause of Conflict Spinoza explained (p.3) ?violence by reference to human imperfection…and logically, the end of conflict must depend on the reform of man?. Spinoza believes that because man does not cooperate to achieve harmony without self-interest and self-gain, the ultimate result is incessant quarrels and physical violence.
Conflict In The Miracle Worker Essay Research
Paper In my opinion, all the types of conflict occur in ?the Miracle Worker?. There is internal conflict such as man versus self. There is also external conflict such as man versus man, man
Racism Lessons Learned Essay Research Paper Many
Racism: Lessons Learned Essay, Research Paper Many things have been shared in this classroom environment. Issues have been studied that have caught the attention of the class and made them consider things that perhaps were not contemplated before. Over the past semester, one series of lessons have stood out to me more than any other.
Racial Profiling Essay Research Paper Racial profiling
Racial Profiling Essay, Research Paper Racial profiling is a law enforcement strategy that encourages police officers to stop and question African-Americans simply because of their race. Employers and government agencies that require job applicants to list their “race” or “ethnicity” on employment and contracting applications perform racial profiling thousands of times every day.
Single Mothers Living Below The Poverty Line
Essay, Research Paper The perspective I have chosen is the social-conflict theory. The social-conflict paradigm is a framework for building theory that envisions society as an arena of inequality generating conflict and social change. This type of analysis focuses on the inequalities within our society and the conflict that they cause between the advantaged and the disadvantaged.
Conflict Management Essay Research Paper In the
Conflict Management Essay, Research Paper In the dictionary conflict is defined as a struggle, a battle, even mutual antagonism. Some people seem to thrive on creating conflict while others do their best to avoid conflict.
Diversity Essay Research Paper DiversityDiversity is a
Diversity Essay, Research Paper Diversity Diversity is a big part of today?s society. But to understand diversity we have to know what it is. Diversity is where there are many different backgrounds, religion, and races. Ralph Bunch said ?I have a deep seated bias against hate and intolerance. I have a bias against racial and religious bigotry.
Racial Profiling Essay Research Paper The United
Racial Profiling Essay, Research Paper The United States is not a healthy democracy The United States is not a healthy democracy. A basic requirement for any healthy democracy is its founding on the basic principle that all men are created equal. This means that man is judged on the fact that he is man, and only that.
The Bargain Ox Essay Research Paper CONFLICTTHE
The Bargain Ox Essay, Research Paper CONFLICT-THE BARGAIN OX The type of conflict in this story is Man vs. Man. The father is fighting against Cramer to grow the biggest pumpkin. The author sets this conflict up
Im Black Your White Essay Research Paper
Jim Johnson Ethnic & Minority Group Relations Collaborative Learning Group # 2 I?m Black, You?re White, Who?s Innocent? 1. Steele portrays innocence as power. ?Seeing for Innocence?, Steele sees as, ?a form of seeing that has more to do with one?s hidden need for innocence than with the person or group one is looking at.?
Civil War Causes Essay Research Paper Causes
Civil War Causes Essay, Research Paper Causes of the Civil War Although some historians feel that the Civil War was a result of political blunders and that the issue of slavery
Psychological Conflicts In Literature1 Essay Research Paper
We all experience psychological conflicts, knowingly or unknowingly. They involve psychological conflicts among our thoughts, emotions, and rational thinking. It may be the most dangerous conflict of all due to the battleground in which it take place in — our mind.
Unfairness Essay Research Paper UnfairnessIt s funny
Unfairness Essay, Research Paper Unfairness It s funny how we grew up saying sticks and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me . It s all too sad because that is not true. It is unfair that people are treated unfairly because of the way they look or how they act or the color of their skin. Race, gender and inequality are major issues in our society.
An Excerpt From Joseph Freeman
’s AN AMERICAN TESTAMENT Essay, Research Paper from An American Testament by novelist and apparatchik Joseph Freeman (1936) Reconciliation to the city is only a prelude to our transformation. The conflict of
Medicare Essay Research Paper How To Fix
Medicare Essay, Research Paper How To Fix Medicare Is The Greatest Challenge. This Issue Is A Very Important One That Will Eventually Come Under Fire As We Approach That Year 2001 When Medicare Is Projected To Go Bankrupt. This Issue Might Not Be Resolved And We Could Be Seeing The End Of Medicare. I This Issue Will Get Solved Some How The Taxpayers Will Pay Medicare Out Of Trouble.