- 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?
According to Ruth Gilmore, she asserts that capitalism is built off of inequality and racism in the tool that is used in order to keep that system in place. Hence when she shared “Capitalism requires inequality, and racism enshrines it.” When Gilmore states “capitalism will stop being racial capitalism, when all the white people disappear from the story”, she is referring to white people being taken out of the discussion, not necessarily anyone specific. She’s emphasizing how much the system is designed to uphold abstraction of whiteness. The system of racial capitalism is designed to work against certain groups of people, particularly those who are not white. In reality, whiteness serves as a safeguard to preserve the socioeconomic status of white people. Although a white person may not be racist, they still benefit from 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?
Ruth Gilmore argues that the prison system creates new “criminals. For instance, this happens when communities that are impoverished, usually communities with a larger population of people of color are over observed. Said people are more prone to face harsh penalties, even for minor instances. Perpetuating the stereotype that people of color are a danger or a threat to society. Down the line, this leads to a cycle where being identified or perceived as a criminal will make it difficult to obtain employment or housing. Which can transpire into other challenges, for those previously incarcerated. Increasing the chance of recidivism. I do agree with Ruth Gilmore’s view because statistics and real life both show that people from specific communities are incarcerated at higher rates and face harsher penalties because they’re more likely to be targeted. I’m sure people from upscale neighborhoods are doing the same thing or even worse, but they’re just not getting caught or they’re getting a slap on the wrist.
3. Describe how you understand what Prof. Gilmore – in the last part of her video – calls “liberation struggle”?
When Ruth Gilmore discusses the “liberation struggle”I understand her to be referring to advocating for freedom and fairness. Especially for people who have been victims of systemic injustice. Gilmore emphasizes that we need to focus on helping one another and constructing a better world, not just focusing on the scrutiny. Devoting efforts to your community like advocacy for prison reform, housing access-stability-and equity, and employment opportunities.
