Racism CRC 13th New Jim Crow Teaching Video 25min

Summary

The video discusses the complexities of systemic racism and mass incarceration in the United States, referencing Michelle Alexander's *The New Jim Crow* and the documentary *13th*. It argues that the legacy of slavery continues through the criminal justice system, where the 13th Amendment allows for forced labor as punishment for crimes. The speaker invites viewers to critically engage with the idea of incarceration as a modern form of legally enforced slavery, highlighting the disproportionate impact on historically marginalized communities. The discussion aims to challenge conventional understandings of these issues and foster an open dialogue.

Takeaways

• 😀 The early feminist movement primarily focused on the issues of white, middle-class women, often neglecting the intersection of race and gender.
• 📚 The Combahee River Collective played a pivotal role in advocating for an intersectional approach to feminism, emphasizing that women's experiences are shaped by various social identities.
• 🔍 The statement from the Combahee River Collective critiques the idea of lesbian separatism, arguing for the inclusion of all women in the feminist movement.
• 👩‍🏫 The experiences of Black girls are highlighted as they face unique challenges, including behavioral expectations imposed by both race and gender.
• ✊ Black women often grapple with being marginalized within both feminist and nationalist movements, calling for a more inclusive approach.
• ⚖️ The 13th Amendment abolished chattel slavery but allowed involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, linking it to modern mass incarceration.
• 🏛️ The historical context of the 13th Amendment reveals systemic racism embedded in the U.S. penal system.
• 🔗 The lecture encourages students to consider how mass incarceration disproportionately affects Black individuals as a continuation of historical injustices.
• 🤝 The importance of understanding intersectionality is emphasized for addressing the complexities of racism and feminism in the U.S.
• 💬 Professor Herrera invites open dialogue and questions from students, highlighting the collaborative nature of learning and understanding these complex issues.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video regarding the system of mass incarceration?

The video argues that mass incarceration in the United States is a continuation of historical systems of oppression, particularly slavery, and is deeply rooted in systemic racism.

How does the speaker connect the 13th Amendment to modern incarceration?

The speaker notes that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery but allowed for coerced labor as punishment for crimes, thus enabling a form of slavery through the current incarceration system.

Who does the speaker indicate are more likely to be affected by mass incarceration?

The speaker indicates that the same communities that were historically enslaved, particularly Black individuals, are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration today.

What does the speaker suggest about the nature of the arguments in *The New Jim Crow* and the documentary *13th*?

The speaker suggests that these arguments provide a new framing of the issue, which may challenge existing understandings of race and incarceration.

Why does the speaker want the audience to become conversant in this topic?

The speaker wants the audience to become conversant in viewing incarceration as legally enforced slavery in the context of racism, to promote critical thinking and informed discussions on the issue.

What does the speaker invite the audience to do if they have concerns about the information presented?

The speaker encourages the audience to voice any concerns or questions, promoting an interactive and open learning environment.

How does the speaker describe their role as a professor in relation to the topic?

The speaker describes themselves as neither a perfect person nor a perfect professor, indicating an openness to dialogue and acknowledgment of their own limitations.

What historical context does the speaker refer to when discussing incarceration?

The speaker refers to the historical context of trial slavery and its ongoing impact, linking it to current patterns of racial disparity in the justice system.

What does the term 'legally enforced slavery' imply in the context of this discussion?

'Legally enforced slavery' implies that the laws governing incarceration allow for the exploitation of incarcerated individuals as a form of coerced labor, continuing the legacy of slavery.

What underlying themes can be identified in the discussion about incarceration and racism?

Underlying themes include systemic racism, historical continuity of oppression, and the need for critical engagement with social justice issues.