preview

Standpoint Theory Paper

Decent Essays

Standpoint Theory Paper

Racism is defined as the systematic subordination of certain racial groups by those groups in power . As a society, we must first eradicate ignorance in order to defeat racism. We must acknowledge that people have different ways of viewing the world and that even though someone may have a different opinion than you, it is not necessarily wrong. The idea that people have different ways of viewing the world stems from standpoint theory. Standpoint theory is based on the concept that people view the world differently depending on their social standing . A central theme of standpoint theory is that a person’s racial and or ethnic background deeply impacts how they view and interact with the world . Racial …show more content…

I was a very inquisitive child and would often ask my parents about why people were different. They always took the time to explain different cultures to me. My parents have always taught me to be cautious when I interact with people of Caucasian dissent. They have never expressed any racism towards people of the Caucasian race but have always reminded me to “be on my guard” and that not everyone I meet has good intentions. I have noticed that this “cautiousness” has been a recurring theme in the Nigerian community that I am a part of. This message has been relayed to me by aunts, uncles and even my Nigerian friends.
The idea that I should have to be “cautious” around specific races has always bothered me. I know that this mistrust of the Caucasian races isn’t completely unfounded. History has shown us that given the opportunity, some people will try and suppress you. I am of the mind that not everyone is out to suppress me and bring me down. My parents will often tell me that I ignore the racism that is rampant in this country. I understand that racism exists and that there are people who will go out of their way to be prejudiced and racist but I don’t believe that we should always be looking for racism everywhere we go. Many instances of racism occur because people are ignorant of other cultures and allow their prejudices to blind them.
Living in Ann Arbor means that I interact with people of different races and cultures on a daily basis.

Get Access