- Ruth Gilmore says that capitalism will stop being racial capitalism, when all the white people disappear from the story. What’s the connection between “whiteness” and racism, do you think?
I feel like the connection between white people and racism is multifaceted. Because white people play a very important role in many social processes, this means that many rules are formulated based on the wishes of white people. White people are often given privileges and are in an advantageous position. This will lead to suppression, exclusion and unfairness towards non-white people. This is reflected in all aspects of society. White people are currently at the top of capitalism in society. In order to consolidate the class, of course others will not be allowed to break it.
2.Gilmore makes the point that criminals are actually being created by the criminal justice and prison system (she says “the category of ‘criminal person’ can be perpetuated”). According to Gilmore, how does that happen, how does the prison system create new “criminals“? Do you agree with her view?
I agree with Gilmore when she says criminal justice disproportionately targets and punishes those in marginalized communities, meaning the poor or minorities. Due to bias, police execution is also biased. And prisons are not built out of judicial needs, but profit-oriented. In other words, it was not built because there were too many people incarcerated. Instead, we hope that more new “criminals” will enter the prison. The criminal justice and prison systems will perpetuate crime. Meanwhile the criminal justice and prison systems focus on punishment rather than helping offenders reintegrate into society. People who have been released from prison may commit another crime.
3. Describe how your understand what Prof. Gilmore – in the last part of her video – calls “liberation struggle”?
My understanding is that different minorities and those who are oppressed come together and act collectively. The goal of the liberation struggle was not simply reform but structural transformation. That is, addressing racism, poverty, systems of privilege, etc.
Hi Xi,
Your response shows your understanding of Ruth Gilmore’s viewpoint on racial capitalism, the criminal justice system, and liberation movements. About the first question, you draw a direct line between racism and whiteness by emphasizing how advantages and laws in society frequently benefit white people, therefore sustaining oppressive and excluded structures. Gilmore’s contention that capitalism is a significant factor in racial disparity is connected to this.
Your concise summary of Gilmore’s perspective on how the criminal justice and prison systems contribute to the creation of new ‘criminals,’ particularly by targeting underprivileged areas and prioritizing profit over rehabilitation, is well-articulated. Your agreement with Gilmore’s viewpoint not only underscores your understanding of the structural issues within the criminal justice system but also signifies your alignment with critical race theory.
Your emphasis on the collective action of oppressed groups in confronting systemic injustices and striving for revolutionary transformation is a powerful echo of Gilmore’s call for fundamental change over mere reform. This aspect of your discussion resonates strongly with Gilmore’s focus and encourages further exploration of liberation movements.
How do you believe the present forms of capitalism and the historical legacies of racism and colonization have influenced the criminal justice system?
How should the criminal justice system be redesigned to put community help and rehabilitation ahead of punishment?
How many people, including those who gain from privileged structures, support structural change and join liberation movements?