white supremacy in america freshman english 003 revised-1

WHITE SUPREMACY IN

AMERICA

Group 1:Kiana Cole, Jhonice lewis, Samoya Ball, and Samaad

Smith

Claim White Supremacy may have been a

reason why an African American would not ask the proper authorities for help in situations such as the one in "Steady Going Up" by Maya Angelou.

Defining White Supremacy In the simplest of terms, White Supremacy is the belief that

the White race is inherently superior to other races and that Whites should in turn control other races.

“The term “white supremacy” enables us to recognize not only that black people are socialized to embody the values and attitudes of white supremacy, but we can exercise “white supremacist control” over other black people.” – Bell Hooks, Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black

Understanding the claim Historically African Americans have endured

centuries of discrimination, segregation, and racism.

This caused uneasy relations with police and other

prominent authorities.

Understanding the claim (cont’d) Socially, African Americans have always

been as the inferior race amongst the majority in American Society.

Consequently, this thinking also created negative relations between African Americans and police.

This racial tension prompted police to be physically violent, racially profile, and wrongfully accuse African Americans of crimes.

Opposing Views• There are those

that claim White Supremacy is no longer an issue in Society

• They argue that America provides everyone with an even playing field, and that success is based on an individual’s personal drive, hard work, mental capacity, etc.

“We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.” – Derrick A Ball, Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth

Conclusion White Supremacy is a major reason why an

African American would be apprehensive in asking the police or authorities for help.

While lynchings and cross burnings are now outdated practices, White supremacy continues to have a negative effect on society, specifically on African Americans.

African Americans continue to be racially profiled, harassed, and discriminated against.

Works Cited

 Wadhanl, Anita. "White Supremacists to Hold Conference in Tennessee." Detroit Free Press. N.p., 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.freep.com/article/20120914/NEWS07/120914005/White-supremacists-to-gather-in-Tenn->.

Mortin, BIll. "Teen White Supremacist Arrested for Planned Bombing of Alabama School | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center." Teen White Supremacist Arrested for Planned Bombing of Alabama School | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2013/01/07/teen-white-supremacist-arrested-for-planning-bomb-attack-on-alabama-school/>.

Angelou, Maya. "Steady Going Up." Enotes.com. Enotes.com, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.enotes.com/steady-going-up-salem/steady-going-up>.

Brown, Sterling A. "And/Or." Project MUSE - And/Or. Project MUSE, 26 Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/callaloo/v021/21.4brown12.html>.