In this time of George Floyd riots and 'Kung Flu' Coronavirus Asian American stereotypes, it is important for students to understand the importance of the role of systemic racism in the US. Why is it so easy to think of Asian Americans as the virus? Why is it so easy to think of African American men as thugs? Why is it so easy to think about all Hispanics as 'illegal aliens'? or to think of all Native Americans as 'savages'? Whose point of view is this anyway? Who is the one making all these stereotypes that we all buy into?
The book, Ethnic Studies, Critical Fundamental by Prof. Tim Messer Kruse, a Ethnic Studies Professor at Bowling Green State University, explains how systemic racism has played a major role in American history, American Law, American entertainment and the very fabric of American society. Kruse also discusses the Theory of Race, Race theory, the intention of race, the role of slavery, the great march westward and how that decimated the Native American culture, land appropriation, processes of racialization, and how bias influences modern day prejudices against many ethnic groups.
As I read the book, I never realized just how prevalent systemic racism has been through time and how the theories of race is prevalent even today and how systemic racism shapes the national narrative even today. It explores the concept of 'white privilege' and ignorant European Americans have shaped how we all think of different ethnic groups from a Eurocentric point of view. I think every American should read this book, because for minorities, it is empowering, and for European Americans, it is eye-opening. I highly recommend everyone read this book! And it is only 20 dollars! A great Deal!
Kruse-Messer, Tim, Ethnic Studies, Critical Fundamentals. Bowling Green University Press.
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