Introduction
People are united into different social groups by social interests, which are the real reasons for action. Various individuals form them due to their positions and roles in social life. The social structure of society and its dynamics are critical themes in contemporary society. This is because there are often problems of discrimination and privilege based on color and gender. Thus, it is essential to analyze my appropriate thoughts about social class and the influence of history on the formation of stereotypical perceptions and the emergence of discrimination experiences.
Video
The video discusses privilege as a tool that can be used for both good and harm against civil society. The story highlighted in the video is a consequence and a clear indicator of long-standing problems in U.S. society (WorldTrustTV, 2013). The video illustrates ways in which privilege is applied to reduce social tensions and establish justice on a local level (WorldTrustTV, 2013). In a civil society environment, this approach is absolutely justified.
Personal Reflection on Social Class
It is significant to mention that I am a white man 45 years of age, which is why I do not experience harassment based on the criteria of race and gender. Meanwhile, I am a completely formed individual with a job that allows me to live a decent life. Therefore, my socio-economic status is of a high standard. I first became aware of my position in the workplace when I applied for a job and had advantages because of my gender and skin color. Although I do not support the concept of dividing individuals into classes, I tend not to emphasize my social class. That is, like most people, I buy clothes at the mass market, attend events where all members of different classes are present, and there are no particularly expensive or special accessories.
Moreover, as a white male of 45 with a good job, I do not face class disadvantages but only benefits. This translates, for example, into more welcoming and better service in stores, restaurants, or hotels. Nevertheless, I know that there are stereotypes associated with my social position. For example, that white men with good jobs are dismissive and tend to exploit the labor of others. Significantly, my class status also does not affect other identities. My friends include women, people of the lower class, and other races. Therefore, my class position does not affect my choice of social circle and hobbies.
Reflections after Reading the Article
Crucially, the article connects sexual violence and colonialism throughout U.S. history. That is, indigenous social problems emerged along with the process of the historical formation of the state. Accordingly, sexual violence originally occurred during colonialism, and such deeply ingrained sojourns in the structure of politics have become part of all eras of development (Smith, 2003). Therefore, it is essential to change the way people think about social problems, such as racial and sexual discrimination. The transition to a new stage of historical development is possible. For example, the level of social issues and historical development can be demonstrated by the example of the rape of black women in a patriarchal society (Smith, 2003).
There was then a perception that women of the Negro race were not pure, so their rape should not be considered a crime. Similarly, the torture of living and dead Indian women was explained by the fact that they had no right to bodily integrity (Smith, 2003). Thus, social problems and perceptions were formed precisely during historical development.
Conclusion
Hence, even in the modern world, discrimination against people based on social class, race, and gender is prevalent. At the same time, the formation of such a concept has been embedded in the course of people’s historical development. It should be mentioned, though, that I do not support the division of people into social classes, nor do I use the privileges granted by society to demonstrate dominance.
References
Smith, A. (2003). Not an Indian tradition: The sexual colonization of native peoples. Hypatia, 18(2), 70-85. Web.
WorldTrustTV. (2013). Cracking the codes: Dr. Joy DeGruy “A trip to the grocery store”. [Video]. YouTube. Web.