1.) Ruth Gilmore mentions the concept of “racial capitalism” quite vividly to highlight how racism is the sole reason behind why capitalism is the way it is. Capitalism only favors a certain racial minority, more specifically white individuals. If one were to look back at history, they would notice that whites own the “means of production.” They have the money to own and run major businesses and corporations. Their profit is made from the labor of their employees exploited in many ways. Despite such, whites never seem to lose because while their profit grows, they continue to have people aid in their profits. The people who find themselves being exploited are from different races; mostly black. They find themselves taken advantage of by their employer but cannot argue back because they need the job, the money to aid in their survival. Thus, whites continue to remain on top and the concept of racism remains present in the aspect of working or capitalism. I believe if other racial minorities were given the chance that white individuals have, the concept of “racial capitalism” would be less apparent. Capitalism requires inequality and racism counts on the same aspect, put together and it creates a certain race to dominate this kind of scene.  

2.) According to Gilmore, the prison system creates new “criminals” because the “elites” use their power to get what they want. Individuals who were already labeled as “criminals,” get targeted and they want this group to grow or expand. They want to overturn the sentences and be longer, have the list of behaviors that are deemed illegal to expand so more violations can occur, and have individuals who get out the system-reenter. If these people of power or elites were to keep having criminals enter the system, they would keep thriving off them because of profiting from entering the jails and prison departments. I agree with her view on this matter because individuals who gain the title of a “criminal” should serve their time and return to society or find a means of rehabilitation to prevent further offending. Everything about the prison system is to make more money while acting as if they serve their purpose of punishment.  

3.) In the last segment of Professor Gilmore’s video, she talks about the concept of “liberation struggle.” She defines it as “specific to the needs and the struggles of people where they are and that where has many many dimensions.” To my understanding, Gilmore was trying to explain that depending on where you live or visit, you will see distinct kinds of people but that have struggles because of where they live. For example, a woman who lives in a country within the Middle East would struggle to have equal rights; such as education. In America, women are free to attend school despite their gender. Although the topic is the same, there is an enormous difference in opportunity.