Individualism or Socioeconomic Structures?

I greatly believe that class position originates from socioeconomic structures. If one is born into wealth, chances are that wealth will always remain, and they will be able to go to any school they wish, and opportunities will be gift-wrapped and placed on their laps. The prime example being Paris Hilton who is an heiress of her father; and has been thrown television show after modeling gig after makeup line. These types of people will never have to worry about money. On the contrary, one who is born into a poor family will have a very hard time to even maintain anything but the underclass. Their family may not speak English, and therefore, have to figure out everyday tasks we take for granted, on their own, unless they can translate effectively. These children cannot ask their parents for help on homework if their parents do not know English. Even something as simple as filling out the Census may seem complicated if one cannot read the language. This is not to say the parents are to blame, however, it is simply how structures maintain society to be the way it is. How easy would it be to teach our students both English and Spanish as our predominate languages? After all, more people speak Spanish as a first language in the United States than English.

From policies on language to corporations to drugs to taxation; the United States makes it very hard for one to have mobility in the classes. Policies may seem to benefit society, but it is all a mask. For example, the crack versus cocaine scandal. It may seem beneficial to "put away the bad guys", but is it bad if it is the last resort from being homeless? Is it bad if it is all someone may know? Those who get caught with crack get more jail time than those who get caught with cocaine. However, when compared, the two drugs are practically the same, one is just used by rich people, and the other happens to be used by poor people. Well when racism exists, and young black men are prevented from getting stable jobs, they fall into a cycle of poverty. They may then resort to selling crack or be raised in a lifestyle of crack, and are then incarcerated. This leaves black families without their male roles, encircling the women into poverty as well. It may seem like an extreme example, but it is not, and is how we have societal structures that enforce those who are not white to make up the lower class. Unfortunately, even those with willpower, dedication, and hope may never see a transition in upward class mobility. “Therefore, "underclass" did not "connote moral or ethical unworthi­ness" or "any other pejorative meaning." Rather, it described a new population, "not necessarily culturally deprived, lacking in aspirations, or un­motivated to achieve," but the static poor, trapped in their situation by a variety of forces, primarily constricted opportunities and "limited alternatives provided by socialization patterns” (Katz 4).

Why Do We Need a Class Analysis?

History is important because it shows us the mistakes we have made in the past, pointing out how we can prevent repeating them in the future. If we were to forget about slavery, racism would make little sense today. The power structure is the same as it was in the days of plantations; it is just under a new light. These capitalistic ways enable one people to be the power, victimizing the powerless. New Orleans has faced the same issues time and time again. However, few are putting together how the events are all connected: race. In Morris' article, following the Civil War, white leaders wanted barriers built so that water would not flood New Orleans if disaster were to strike. However, they needed a means of labor to build these walls, requesting the government to step back from protecting former slaves. Their requests were met, but the floods of 1927 showed racial tension as blacks were poor due to being abandoned by the plantation owners. Since there were no more plantations, there was no more protection of the blacks by default. The government then forgot about New Orleans. Under George W. Bush, flood walls were requested again, but due to his lack of class analysis, their requests were ignored. Disaster struck again through Katrina. If the Bush administry had looked further into the history of New Orleans, they would have seen the devastation of having no levees and how it affected society. "Speaker of the House Denni Hastert questioned the wisdom and worth of rebuilding New Orleans. No doubt many around the nation share his sentiments. It is hard to imagine he or anyone else would make similar remarks about San Francisco or Los Angeles, were they devastated by earthquake or fire" (Morris 3). Well of course not, these cities are not predominately black, with a history of racism and slavery. Ironically we were quick to help the 9/11 attacks when it was an “other” people to blame, the other being not white, who were killing our nation's whites, But when it’s our own citizens who are the “others”, and out citizens are black, we do not act quickly. We let them suffer, and blame the problems on them, the victim. “Sure they’re black, but the reason they didn’t get out in time is because they’re poor, not skin color” (Lavelle). Lavelle concludes that it is an issue of both race and class, as they are intertwined. They may have not gotten out in time because they were poor, but they’re poor because they’re black. We need to connect how class, race, and power are all intertwined.

Today's News

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kynL9Ev7NhU

I am not sure how to embed the video, but this video is about how a modern day slave camp was found in England on September 12th. Although this story takes place in England, not the United States, I believe both cultures greatly mirror each other. For slavery to still be going on in a modern society, it shows a striking difference of class. It does not say what type of people these slaves were; just that they were being held captive for about fifteen years in poor conditions. It does not say their original class, their race, or gender. I find it very sad that some people feel they have so much power over another human being, that they could make another person do something against their will. Until we are all seen as equals, I am afraid we will always have a separation of social status.

Introduction

Hello!
My name is Kelsey Morris, and I am a women's studies/philosophy major in my junior year. I am from Ledyard, CT but RIC brings me to Providence. I currently share an apartment with my younger sister and our cat. When I am not in school, I am usually at work. I also play for the RIC golf team. I took this class because I am very interested in societal structures and why things are the way they are. I want to know why there are even classes to begin with! How come so many people do not know which class they truly fall under? Why do the rich get richer and the poor, poorer?