In this section we will discuss whether white westerners have used the idea that they are racially superior to gain political power or not.
We will mainly approach from two directions therefore. One is that white westerners used the idea of their superiority to justify the exploitation of labour force and resources. The other is that they used the idea to achieve political power.
We must first define the main terms of this essay, which are `race′, `racial superiority′ and later on `political power′. We go on by taking a brief look at colonialism and how the ideas about race and racial superiority were practised. We then try to link these outcomes to recent history (Germany′s 1930s, USA′s 1970s, France′s 1980s), economics (neo-colonialism) and finally end by regarding the theories (authoritarian personality theory, conflict theory of prejudice, scapegoat theory and cultural theory of prejudice) that explain some of the racial and ethnical prejudices.
[...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- to exploit labour force and resources
- What is Race and Racial Superiority?
- What is Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism?
- ...to gain political power
- Institutional Prejudice and Discrimination
- Examples from History
- Modern Racism
- Dependence Theory
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to examine the historical and contemporary uses of the concept of racial superiority by white westerners to gain political power. The argument will be explored from two perspectives: the exploitation of labour force and resources and the attainment of political dominance.
- The historical and contemporary uses of the concept of racial superiority.
- The exploitation of labour force and resources by white westerners.
- The role of race in the attainment of political power.
- The relationship between colonialism, neo-colonialism, and racism.
- The impact of prejudice and discrimination on various ethnicities.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the central question of the essay: have white westerners used the concept of racial superiority to gain political power? The chapter defines key terms, such as "race," "racial superiority," and "political power," and provides a brief overview of colonialism and its connection to ideas about race.
- To exploit labour force and resources: This chapter delves into the historical context of colonialism, highlighting how European powers exploited labour and resources in colonized territories. The chapter explores the concept of "race" as a social construct, analyzing how it was used to justify the exploitation of indigenous populations. It also examines the link between racism and the slave trade.
- ...to gain political power: This chapter examines the ways in which white westerners have utilized ideas of racial superiority to achieve political dominance. It explores the concept of institutional prejudice and discrimination, using the Rodney King case as an example. The chapter also examines various historical cases, including apartheid in South Africa and Nazi Germany, where racial superiority was used to justify political power.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores key concepts including race, racial superiority, colonialism, neo-colonialism, political power, institutional prejudice, discrimination, and theories of prejudice such as the authoritarian personality theory, conflict theory of prejudice, scapegoat theory, and cultural theory of prejudice. The work examines the historical and contemporary interplay between these concepts, analyzing how white westerners have used the idea of racial superiority to gain political and economic power.
- Quote paper
- Robert Conrad (Author), 2001, Discussion about whether white westeners have used the idea that they are racially superior to gain political power or not., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/8225
