1. Whiteness and racism are related because many societies have always embraced whiteness as a symbol of privilege, power, and superiority. Racial hierarchies where people of color are treated poorly and white people are at the top have resulted from this. Whiteness has been a major factor in the formation of racial disparities in income and opportunity within capitalism, as well as the structure of economic systems. The term “racial capitalism” describes the relationship between capitalism and racism, because oppression and abuse of people of color is necessary for capitalist economies to function. Within capitalist systems, racism will endure as long as whiteness is maintained as the norm and given advantages. According to Gilmore, real freedom from racial capitalism can only come about through the overthrow of the systems and power relationships that support whiteness and feed racism. A fundamental change in society’s norms and beliefs would be necessary to achieve a more equal and just system for all people, regardless of race.
  2. The jail system makes an ongoing flow of people who meet the criteria to be classified as criminals, which leads to creating the concept of the “criminal person”. This may be done by lengthening the sentences of those already incarcerated or by expanding the number of people classified as criminals. Also, the system increases the number of actions that are deemed illegal, which results in more people being locked up by the law. I do agree with Gilmore’s view because it’s a lot of people who served 15+ years for having only a gram of weed on them, so now when those people come out they already have less opportunity to get a job or home because of their record.
  3. Based on Gilmore’s last part in the video, how I understand “liberation struggle” is in these struggles, the power structures that are in place are challenged and social change is effected through organizing, researching, and discussing a variety of topics, such as racism, colonialism, and citizenship. People join together to establish and rebuild unity in the hope of living together in more just and equitable ways, and this is how “liberation struggle” is portrayed as a type of radical dependence and solidarity.

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