Summary

1. Ruth Wilson Gilmore's assertion that capitalism will stop being racial capitalism only when all white people disappear from the story highlights the intrinsic link between "whiteness" and racism. The concept of "whiteness" is not merely about skin color but represents a structural and historical position of power and privilege. In the context of racial capitalism, whiteness is integral because it perpetuates systemic inequalities and racial hierarchies. Racism, in this framework, is a tool used to sustain the economic and social advantages of those identified as white, ensuring the continuation of exploitation and oppression of non-white populations for economic gain. Therefore, as long as whiteness exists as a dominant and privileged identity, racial capitalism will persist​.

2. According to Gilmore, the criminal justice and prison system create new "criminals" through the process of criminalization and the perpetuation of the category of "criminal person." This happens through policies and practices that disproportionately target marginalized communities, particularly people of color, thereby reinforcing systemic inequalities. The prison system not only punishes individuals but also stigmatizes them, making reintegration into society difficult and increasing the likelihood of recidivism. This cycle ensures a steady stream of individuals labeled as criminals, sustaining the prison-industrial complex. I agree with her view to an extent, as evidence shows that mass incarceration and discriminatory policing practices contribute significantly to the criminalization of specific populations, perpetuating systemic injustice.

3. In the last part of her video, Prof. Gilmore refers to "liberation struggle" as a comprehensive movement aimed at dismantling systemic injustices and creating equitable social, economic, and political structures. This struggle involves not only resisting oppressive systems like racial capitalism and mass incarceration but also actively building alternatives that promote community wellbeing and social justice. It requires collective action and solidarity across different social movements to address the root causes of inequality and oppression. Gilmore emphasizes that liberation is not just about abolishing existing systems of exploitation but also about creating new forms of social organization that ensure freedom and justice for all​.