During this weeks lecture, talking specifically about the history of Racism and Patriarchy, really made me think how much this still goes on today. This lecture was very powerful and emotional as it made you think of the society we live in. It was not that long in the past when genders were divided and stereotyped. This shows that even though our society may look more accepting as time goes on – proven from the acceptance of integrated marriages and laws on gender discrimination in the work place – society still have negative thoughts surrounding race.
The media has a lot of influence towards this and patriarchy in society as they can portray their own bias views. Many people believe everything they see or read online as they think it is factual and trustworthy. Often, this is not the case and they tend to categorise groups in society. Women are deemed weak which is proven from the #likeagirl campaign. Men and Women were asked to do several every day actions like run – which they all did portraying no effort and weakness. However, when young girls were asked, they should signs of power and capability. This shows that women are almost taught by society to have no self confidence and categorise themselves as a lower ranked gender to the ‘superior’ men.
As well as women being categorised, races can also be too. For example, specific races and religions can be discriminated against due to being associated with crime. Islamophobia has become mainstream and even more of a problem in society ever since ISIS has been linked to Muslims. Ever since, there have been media articles to support this which have made citizens a target. For example, an MP was found retweeting a story portraying a negative image on an Islamic family – which was false.
Of course, in the past, situations regarding racism and patriarchy were beyond the worst in time – for example, the ‘Jim Crow Laws’ stopped the mix between races and tried to socially discriminate them. This lead to the uprising of the Civil Rights Movement such as Rosa Parks standing up for the Black race and the quarter of a million protestors who marched for equality.
This lecture showed how much we have moved past from the depth of racism and patriarchy that society was tied in. We are more accepting as a whole to different races and cultures and women are fighting to break the glass ceiling. I already have a very open mind to races and genders being equal and never become mislead by stereotypical ideas regarding so. In my profession I need to know that children can be affected in different ways regarding race or gender discrimination. Even though children are more accepting, they still face troubles which I need to be aware of.
