Racial Justice and Colorblind Ideology: Analysis of Alexander, Gallagher, and Stack
Overview
This coursework assignment analyzes three academic readings on race, criminal justice, and social inequality. The student examines Michelle Alexander's critique of selective drug enforcement targeting African Americans, Gallagher's analysis of colorblind ideology as a false equality narrative, and Stack's ethnographic observations of community bonds in an impoverished Black neighborhood.
What this coursework covers
- Analysis of Alexander's 'The Color of Justice' - parallel narratives of Emma Faye Stewart and Clifford Runoalds demonstrating racial bias in the criminal justice system
- Examination of Gallagher's 'Colorblind Privilege' - critique of colorblind ideology as perpetuating white privilege despite claims of equality
- Discussion of Stack's ethnographic work 'All Our Kin' - social network development and community acceptance in impoverished Black communities
Preview
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Study Questions for Readings
5. Alexander, “The Color of Justice.”
- In Michelle Alexander’s reading titled ‘The Color of Justice,’ the author shares two parallel stories of African Americans. Alexander draws a clear juxtaposition on the incidents in the life of the characters. The first story is Emma Faye Stewart, a single mom arrested during a mass raid. She is unfairly judged for allegedly involved in distributing drugs in her location. The woman decides to plead guilty as a solution to avoid a lengthy jail term away from her family. Emma is released on bond, but she is also put on probation, and her reputation is ruined. The second story is the story of Clifford Runoalds, who loses his daughter. Clifford is arrested during the daughter’s funeral. He is not allowed to witness the burial since he is forcefully dragged to testify against his defendant. Since he is innocent, he declines to testify, and he is charged for a felony. He is jailed for a short period, during which he loses his job and his possessions.
- Michelle Alexander explains these two incidences with a sad and agitated tone. The author is disappointed at how the government’s fight against drugs only targets African Americans. Moreover, the author highlights these stories because, in both incidences, the African Americans were accused of falsely.
- As much as the government masquerades in curbing drug activities, the fight is rather racial.