I posted a blog on -isms, racISM, classISM, and sexISM. I am writing a paper for a labor studies class. I have my introductory paragraphs written, and even a transitional paragraph with a thesis statement. I could use some feedback on it though.
Race, Class, Gender, and Society
A skinhead, a biker chick, and a Mexican walk into Pakistani-run gas station… That’s the joke. It doesn’t seem that funny. Maybe you just had to be there.
It’s a coping mechanism. It’s how we, a particular group of societal outcasts, deal with stereotypes. Sean was wearing big black boots and had freshly shaven scalp. I had on heeled boots, a leather corset top, and my prescription sunglasses. Mike is a big guy. I suppose he may look Mexican. I never cared or asked, but about a year later he mentioned his dad was white and his mom was Chinese. We were in Bloomington, headed to a punk rock show when we stopped to get gas. I ran my card through the prepay slot, and started pumping gas. We all had to go to the restroom and get drinks. By the time I got out, the gas was done. Sean was out soon after. It took Mike a while, and we couldn’t figure out why.
He finally came out and said that the clerk was demanding he pay for the gas I just pumped or she’d call the police. The three of us entered the store to find her on the phone. She was noticeably shaking. I asked what the problem was, I had already prepaid. She told me I lied. I explained the sign said prepay only, and it wouldn’t have pumped gas if I hadn’t. She said it didn’t go through and she had to run it again. She was still on the phone talking in her native tongue, and she was getting more fearful by the minute. I gave her my card and told her I would check to make sure that I wasn’t charged twice, and if I was I would be sure to file a complaint.
We were blatantly discriminated against. It wasn’t the first time, and surely wasn’t the last. Mike, being the comedian that he is, started the joke. It did get rid of the tension. I think the reason it bothered us so much was the fear in the woman’s eyes. I’m used to people pulling their kids closer in an elevator when I talk to them or clutching their purses when I smile at them or keeping an eye on me when I walk into certain stores. Those did not cause that look of dread.
I know that feeling I felt that one day is what some people have to deal with constantly every day of their lives. I would probably be a bit hostile toward everyone who reacted to me that way. I would wonder what made people think that about me, is it them or me?
I’m not in that type of situation everyday though. It’s sad that in this day and age, in the land of the free and home of the brave, people are treated like criminals based on their looks. Whether it’s a snap judgment made based on skin color, clothing and hairstyle, and/or gender, logically, it is entirely outdated, but realistically, it’s still everywhere. How is it that in this society so many people are divided against each other when, in unity, they could help to solve the problems of discrimination and oppression?
------
I've never had a problem writing an essay for school before. I just think the professor wants so much info crammed into it that I don't know where to fit it all. I mean, should I break it down into separate -isms? Should I break into separate devices used to keep people apart? UGH. I can' believe this is so difficult for me! I would appreciate any feedback!
Could I get some feedback, please?
By sonja - Posted on March 6th, 2008
Tagged: classism
• Racism
• sexism
• Broad prosperity
• Shared responsibility
• Personal freedom
• Better future
Break it down by isms, then include a section at the end about the intersections of those isms, and how one influences the other. For instance, racism and classism are inextricably linked, a connection that can be seen in the demographics of low-SES neighborhoods..........and etc.
I hate when a paper does that to me. It's like a puzzle with worn out edges that won't fit nicely together no matter how much you force it. Bah.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
When I write papers, I go through my references and take notes on notecards. I'll write down exact quotes from books or journals and, that way, I can either use the exact quote later and it's super easy to cite my sources, or I can take that information and expand it.
I literally write everything I want in my paper on to notecards, 1 or 2 sentences per card. Then, when I make differerent categories or whatever, I can place my information where I want it. It helps me organize my thoughts.
If you're having trouble placing all your information everywhere, try doing something to organize what you want to do. I've never been one for outlines--I just end up writing my whole paper. But notecards I can move around and shuffle until they're stacked into my paper.
I agree with ediblewoman's thoughts about breaking it down by isms and tying it all together at the end. I like how you are using a personal experience in your paper--it makes it more than a critique of statistics from a journal.
good luck!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
My boss uses post-it notes. When she's working on a report, her house is COVERED in color-coded posties! It's funny. I've never tried her strategy, though, because I have a cat (the handsome Mr. Kinsgston in my photo) who likes to knock things off the wall.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
We did talk about the prism of differences, how most people aren't oppressed by one -ism, but a combination. I think that part of the reason there isn't as much unity between, say, women is because a white middle-class woman may have a different agenda in the fight than a working class Latina. Some people refuse to acknowledge the differences, the different demands that must be made for all the women, and end up not doing any good when women start fighting each other.
I already know I'll end it- with a statement by Betsy Reed about all oppressed people: "Our enemies are the same. That to me is the major thing that should be pulling us together."
I love the index card idea!
-Sonja :)