Welcome to

American Studies 201: 
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
                      

 

Fall 2010                   Tues/Thurs. 3:30-4:45                        TLC 149
 

Glossary

Discrimination  The differential allocation of goods, services, and resources and the limitation of access to full participation the society based on individual membership in a particular social group.

Race  A social construct that artificially divides people into distinct groups based on characteristics such as physical appearance (particularly color), ancestral heritage, cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification, and the social, economic and political needs of a society at a given period of time. Racial categories subsume ethnic groups. Examples of racial groups are black, white, Native American, Asian, Latino.

Ethnicity  A social construct which divides people into smaller social groups based on characteristics such as a shared sense of group memberships, values, behavioral patterns, language, political and economic interests, history and ancestral geographical base. Examples of different ethnic groups are Cape Verdean, Haitian, African American (black); Chinese, Korean (Asian); Mexican, Puerto Rican (Latino/a); Polish, Irish and French (white).

Racial and Ethnic Identity  An individual's awareness and experience of being a member of a racial and ethnic group; the racial and ethnic categories that an individual  chooses to describe him or herself based on such facts biological heritage, physical appearance, cultural affiliation, early socialization, and personal experience.

Racism  The systematic subordination of members of targeted racial groups who have relatively little social power in the United States (Blacks, Latino/as, Native Americans, and Asians), by the members of the agent racial group who have relatively more social power (Whites). This subordination is supported by the actions of individuals, cultural norms and values, and the institutional structures and practices of society.

Individual Racism  The beliefs, attitudes and actions of individuals that support or perpetuate racism. Individual racism can occur at both an unconscious and conscious level, and can be both active and passive. Examples include telling a racist joke, using a racial epithet, or believing in the inherent superiority of whites.

Active Racism   Actions which have as their stated or explicit goal the maintenance of the systems of racism and oppression of those in the targeted racial groups. People who participate in active racism advocate the continued subjugation of members of the target groups and protection of "the rights" of members of the agent group. These goals are often support by a belief in the inferiority of people of color or minorities and the superiority of white people, culture, and values.

Passive Racism   Beliefs, attitudes and actions that contribute to the maintenance of racism, without openly advocating violence of oppression. The conscious and unconscious maintenance of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that support the system of racism, racial prejudice, and racial dominance.