The ugly side of history

by rbobbitt

Georg Simmel’s concept of the stranger is a person who is both near and far at the same time. They are a part of society, yet remain on the fringes, never completely accepted as full members of society. Racism, although disguised into (mostly) covert forms is largely believed to have been overcome. Barrack Obama’s election win to many signified the possible end of a sad era in American history where racial discrimination fueled the headlines. However, despite the monumental nature of this win, racism still prevails. While many danced in the streets victoriously, some African Americans were confronted with burning crosses, racial epithets, and black figures hanging from nooses. According to a New York Times article, “There have been ‘hundreds’ of incidents since the election, many more than usual, said Mark Potok, director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate crimes.” One explanation of the hate is offered by sociologist BJ Gallagher is simple, ”If I can’t hurt the person I’m angry at, then I’ll vent my anger on a substitute, i.e., someone of the same race.”

  Read More: New York Times article

  Against the notion of a “new racism”