Term Paper on "Sexism and Racism"
Term Paper 3 pages (1179 words) Sources: 2 Style: MLA
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Sexism and RacismProblems in Comparing Racism and Sexism
In my response to the essay by Mr. Laurence Thomas ("Sexism and Racism: Some Conceptual Differences") I will first say that while "sexism" and "racism" are each serious social issues, his is an entirely impractical argument, an exercise in rhetoric and semantics. I say that not just because there is no "right" and no "wrong" way of comparing the two forms of antisocial, ugly behavior, but because all that can be accomplished in an essay like his is the polishing of one's skills in persuasive writing. Because it is all based on subjective analysis. Secondly, in my essay, I will point to the numerous flaws in the specific points he tries to make. In many instances his arguments are based on his own archaic views of the man-woman issue; he takes the position of a chauvinist which is flawed to begin with. In other cases, he makes comparisons between sexism and racism that are based on vague assumptions and out-of-date stereotypes. Of course, his essay was written twenty-six years ago and in that time the world has changed drastically, and people's attitudes have changed too, so one has to take that into consideration.
Let me begin by questioning the limits of his racism scenario; he uses the prejudice a Caucasian person may feel towards an African-American, and by doing so he is relating to a tiny drop of water when the real problem in America is like Niagara Falls. He fails to touch on the real social problem that is alive and well in America, which culturally-based bias and bigotry. There is, after all, a mistaken view among many Americans that Asians, Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos a
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It is really based in many instances on ignorance, but it isn't just "racism" it is cultural bias based on certain values that are different between the two cultures, or based strictly on environmental factors (if a person is raised by parents who dislike Catholics, that person is likely to be negative and biased against Roman Catholics, for example). So "racist" is too narrow and hurts Thomas' argument.
He fails also to mention this point, and it would have helped his argument to point out that there are "racist" things said about illegal immigrants coming across the border into the United States; saying that they are "wetbacks" is almost as serious as using the "N" word about blacks. Racism is not limited to blacks and whites, is my point.
And how does any of this cultural bias match up to a man's feelings toward a woman, whether or not he feels superior to a woman or whether he feels all women should stay at home and raise children while the man goes out and works? The comparison is too vague in any event to equate in any way a male's views of females with any individual's dislike for a person of another culture.
I will offer another consideration: an intelligent person must understand that debating sexism and racism is like having a dialogue over the difference between snowboarding and space travel. Two people could find a thousand comparisons and ten thousand dramatic differences, but where would the discussion end up? On the… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Sexism and Racism" Assignment:
“Directions:
The purpose of the following assignment is to allow you to express your own ideas in regard to one of the philosophers we have read and/or one of the practical topics we have discussed. Your paper will be tempered (hopefully) by the discipline and skill in arguing that you have thus far acquired in the course.
Assignment: write a 3-4 page (typed, double-spaced, 12 point font) carefully argued, clear and concise philosophy paper, arguing your own position on one of the topics we have discussed in class (sexism and racism, world hunger, terrorism or the rights of animals). Be clear and self-conscious about the form your argument takes, e.g. is it an argument from individual dignity, or a utilitarian argument for maximizing the general welfare, or from the perspective of an ancient philosopher such as Plato, etc?
Good General Strategy:
i) State clearly in the first paragraph your general thesis: what you will be arguing
Be sure to identify the claim (or set of claims) you have chosen to defend or dispute by
situating them carefully within context (in the theory of the philosopher you are criticizing
or in the article that you are dealing with, etc.). Be fair to your opponent(s).
b) Next, begin your argument for or against the chosen claim by appealing first to numerous
weak assumptions, i.e. to those assumptions which most any reader will likely share. (For
instance, not everyone believes in the same God as you, so one can start there, etc.)
c) From here move to defending your stronger position which will be more controversial.
Give grounds (reasons) for your enthusiasm or your opposition. Try to account for any
natural objections your reader may have in regard to what you are saying. Respond to
these likely or possible objections.
d) Conclude by restating your position and perhaps suggesting any further consequences
of your standpoint that might persuade your reader of your viewpoint.
These various steps are meant to help you in organizing your philosophy essay; they need not be followed religiously. You may do further research if you wish (beyond the articles we have read, but this is not necessary.) In general, be clear and concise. Give reasons for what you say (ask yourself "why?" is the sentence you have just written true?) and do not bring in any controversial claims, which you are not ready to defend in depth!
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How to Reference "Sexism and Racism" Term Paper in a Bibliography
“Sexism and Racism.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2006, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/sexism-racism-problems/3512823. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.
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