Anti-racism part 2: Norms – normalising racism

Summary

In this lecture, Minna Seikkula discusses racism and antiracism in the context of Finland, emphasizing that racism is not a natural or permanent structure but a power system created and maintained by human actions. She explores the concept of everyday racism and how norms and expectations shape perceptions of who belongs in society, with a particular focus on racialization and its intersection with other forms of discrimination, such as gender. Seikkula highlights the need to recognize and challenge these ingrained norms and practices to dismantle structural racism and create a more inclusive society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Racism is not a natural or permanent structure, but is created and maintained by human actions.
• 😀 Everyday racism involves the normalization of racial perceptions in daily life, such as making assumptions based on skin color, language, or clothing.
• 😀 Power structures in society often privilege white Europeans, granting them more rights and access to resources.
• 😀 Norms are rules and expectations that shape perceptions of what is 'common' in society, and they often perpetuate racism through everyday actions.
• 😀 Privilege can be understood as not noticing the obstacles caused by structural racism, as experienced by racial minorities.
• 😀 Microaggressions, such as 'Where are you from?' or 'You speak surprisingly good Finnish,' are common experiences for racialized people and contribute to the normalization of racism.
• 😀 Normative expectations impact various aspects of life, including job opportunities, healthcare, and social interactions, reinforcing racial inequalities.
• 😀 Intersectionality helps understand how various forms of discrimination, such as racism and gender bias, can intersect and affect people in complex ways.
• 😀 Racism can be conceptualized as exclusion (e.g., being denied opportunities) and oppression (e.g., exploitation in the workplace).
• 😀 Whiteness functions as a power structure that privileges certain people and groups, while also contributing to internal divisions within the white community.
• 😀 The concept of 'reverse racism' is not valid in academic discourse and is often used to neutralize discussions about power imbalances and structural racism.

Q & A

What is the core argument presented by Minna Seikkula regarding racism?

Minna Seikkula argues that racism is not a natural or permanent structure. It is generated and maintained by human actions, and it is a historical power structure where people who fit the whiteness norm often have more power and privileges.

What does Philomena Essed's concept of 'everyday racism' refer to?

Philomena Essed's concept of 'everyday racism' refers to how racist perceptions become normalized in daily life, such as assuming traits based on someone's skin color, language, or appearance, leading to discriminatory practices.

How do norms and normativity play a role in sustaining racism?

Norms are human-made expectations and repetitive behaviors that shape mental images of what is considered 'common.' These norms often lead to practices that exclude or discriminate against certain racial groups, even if no formal rules exist to do so.

Can you provide an example of how racism manifests in everyday interactions in Finland?

An example of racism in Finland is when brown people in everyday settings, like at the bus stop or grocery store, are subjected to microaggressions, such as comments like 'Where are you from?' or 'You speak surprisingly good Finnish.'

What is 'privilege' as discussed in the context of racism?

Privilege is defined as the unrecognized advantages that certain groups, like white people, experience due to their position in society. For example, a white person with a Finnish name doesn't face the same racial obstacles as someone classified as an immigrant.

How do normative expectations influence who gets hired for certain jobs?

Normative expectations influence hiring decisions by shaping perceptions about who is suitable for certain roles. For example, racialized individuals may be stereotyped into certain lower-paying jobs or roles that are seen as 'appropriate' for their racial or ethnic background.

What is intersectionality, and how does it relate to racism and discrimination?

Intersectionality refers to how multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., racism, gender bias, etc.) can intersect and compound the effects of exclusion. For example, a Russian-speaking woman may face both gender-based stereotypes and racial discrimination in the job market.

What are the two types of racism Seikkula discusses?

Seikkula discusses two types of racism: racism as exclusion, which involves everyday discriminatory acts and extreme forms of racism that exclude certain groups, and racism as oppression, which refers to exploitative labor practices and systemic inequality.

What role do laws and legislation play in sustaining racism in Finland?

Laws and legislation can perpetuate racism, as certain residency permit practices or labor regulations may contribute to the vulnerability of racialized individuals, making them more susceptible to exploitation or discrimination.

Why is the concept of 'reverse racism' problematic?

The concept of 'reverse racism' is problematic because it suggests that racial discrimination is equally experienced by all groups, which ignores the historical power dynamics and privileges that exist within the structure of whiteness. It neutralizes the discussion on power relations.