Reading 9

Brewer & Heitzeg
In this era of color-blind racism, there has been a corresponding shift from de jure racism codified explicitly into the law and legal systems to a de facto racism where people of color, especially African Americans, are subject to unequal protection of the laws, excessive surveillance, extreme segregation, and neo–slave labor via incarceration, all in the name of crime control.(626)

There is also no dispute that the poor and people of color, particularly African Americans, are dramatically overrepresented in these statistics at every phase of the criminal justice system. (628)

The legal entrenchment of color-blind racism allowed White supremacist political and economic advantage to be pursued—unchecked by either law or public discourse— under the guise of criminal justice. (635)

This is definitely one aspect of this course where I feel I have learned and grown the most. This article alone caused many dinner conversations among myself, my husband and my son. We had lively discussions about why certain laws carried certain stigmas and punishments while others were badges of honor. Why was Martha Stweart's actions for monetary gain (which were worth far more mind you than the minimum for a felony robbery) considered socially more acceptable than a young male who robs a convenience story? The punishment comparison is too laughable to even attempt.

Now the difference between the two is obvious, however what is different is NOT that I consider one better or worse nor do I advocate leniency based on perpetrator history. What I do feel is that systematic understanding of what we believe are crimes should be deeply considered. Additionally I think that punishments for most white collar crimes are far too lenient. So instead of letting minor crimes off easier I think the other crimes should face harsher punishments. Additionally I still do not fully agree with the concept of the individual and I personally find the concept as an excuse to behave in manners that are dangerous or aren't considered at this time socially acceptable.

Question: What crimes are really important to society? Should the victims and perpetrators color of crimes be taken into account when defining what is and isn't a crime?

My concern is that in the interest of social justice those that are most likely to be victimized by crimes will be MORE victimized in the aftermath of a social revolution. Much like the advocacy of abortion as a birth control for white middle and upper class women that trickled down to be used by black American women who are themselves victimized by the criminal system and the attack on the young black male (leaving many women to raise children alone).

Villenas
For example, women teachers of working-class backgrounds are expected to consume a body of literature that emanates from elite universities from which they are excluded, and that thus excludes them from the production of material used for the teaching profession and their own training. (714)

I also brought politics and subversion to the meetings at which I spoke for the community leaders. I did not say what they wanted to hear, stirring controversy at one meeting and causing some Whites to reacy defensively at another. (725)

I think that Villenas piece should be read by all teachers. First, it touches upon the academic hegemony that has a stranglehold on education. I was so pleased with the brilliant way Villenas described this issue. Secondly, Villenas's piece was a fantastic example of how to subvert the dominating class in peaceful, yet meaningful ways. Something as simple as choosing a new place to sit, or ensuring that the meetings were fully translated seem like simple common-sense approaches to rejecting practices of current education.

Questions: What methods and experiences can teachers take from Villenas to apply in their own schools?

How does the simple naming of classes show the racism and superiority of the dominating class? What other implied ways do these show in education?