We've all heard many different definitions of racism over the years. Racism is dynamic at the individual level and static at the systemic level in its expression. Our group is working from the definition below that recognizes racism as both historical, systemic, violent, and an expression of power.
“For those who have forgotten, or who are confused, let me here define racism clearly and firmly: RACISM is a system of domination, of one race by another, which combines a superstition of racial hierarchy with a structure of domination and exploitation, and which is instituted and maintained by the violent practices of conquest and suppression, including torture, lynching and mass murder. And, it must be stressed, the only case of racism on the historical record is that instituted by white supremacists.”
- Chinweizu -
Chinweizu is a Nigerian critic, poet and journalist. He was born in Isuikwuato, Imo State and was educated at the Government College, Afikpo. He later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for collegiate education. While studying in America, during the civil rights era, Chinweizu became influenced by the philosophy of a black arts movement. After his collegiate education, he started teaching overseas, at MIT and San Jose State University. In a few years he returned to Nigeria, working as a columnist for various newspapers in the country and also creating a visible platform to promote a Pan African consciousness.
(taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinweizu)
No comments:
Post a Comment