Dominates vs. Subordinates

There are many classes of human beings in this world.  They are all seperated by groups, and the two main groups are the Dominates and the Subordinates.  Even if society doesn't want to class people in these type of groups, statistically it shows that they are.  At the top of the list is the white heterosexual male, and I am apart of this group.  Before taking my Social Justice class at the University of Texas I was oblivious to this social group I belonged to.  In our class discussion a student brought up a good point that the dominant group isn't aware of these privelages they have, because they don't have to go through the social injustices that are bestowed upon the subordinates.  This "White Privelage" they call it, gets us out of traffic tickets, less time in jail, better jobs and salaries, and many other different benefits.  Before this class I thought society has come a long way, which it has, but I actually thought that these kind of segregations have dissapeared.  When that student said that people in this class don't realize that it is still going on, because we don't have to defend ourselves from them, my eyes were opened.  We went back and forth through discussion and people from all different races and social groups, all telling their stories.  I was just shocked that this type of privelages were still going on, and I wanted to just shrivel back in my guilt.  I have never felt more guilty in my life to be apart of something I had no control over.  All I want in this society is for everything to be equal, but we are far from it.  A question for society out there, are we ever going to be as individuals completely equal, or are we always going to have inequality in our society?  Well my vote is for equality, we have come to far in America to not treat everyone as human.  I believe the one solution to this problem is talk about it.  Talk about it with people who are different races, different genders, and really put yourself out there.  Use me as an example, I had no idea that these privelages still are a reality in our society until this class.  I believe that through discussion and public networking, eventually one day a world of equality will exist, a single group will emerge as one, and America will truly be the country that we set out to be.

Here is a video I think you should watch on "White Privilege"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Xe1kX7Wsc

One Nation Under God: A nation full of social injustices

After reading my first reading assignment in my new social work class called, "Foundations of Social Justice", a lot of things came to mind.  Even though this society has prided itself on creating all men equal, even women now, but still we find that their are social injustices.  For instance when an African American gets a job over a European American due to the fact the company has to meet it's diversity quota.  The readings also stated that a Social Worker needs to strive to make sure that every person is treated exactly the same so these problems don't continue.  Even in Social Work there are social injustices such as when someone gets turned down because they are not poor enough.  Even if they make a certain salary, that person might have kids, excessive bills, and many other expenses where that job won't cut it.  So how can a Social Worker say they aren't poor enough to receive benefits.  The first thing America as a society has to do to fix this issue is to look past race.  We have to look at everyone as an American.  No more of this African American, European American, Mexican American, just simply everybody is American.  This will allow companies to hire the most qualified and racial issue can finally be a thing of the past.  The second solution will everyone has an equal chance to receive a certain benefit regardless of income.  If that income doesn't cover the bills than they can be eligible to receive those benefits.  Once America can look past these ludicrous labels and guidelines, the closer America can become one as a nation.  Our four fathers said "One Nation Under God", why not start acting that way.