Argument Format
Something about the Subject Makes it Hard to Name by Gloria Yamato is about the different types of racism. Yamato argues that racism comes in different shapes and sizes. She claims there is blatant racism, subtle racism, "I didn't know" racism, and "I am definitely not" racism. Interestingly enough, Yamato claims that blatant racism is preferred. Subtle racism is when things disappear, such as jobs, that should have been available to people of color. "I didn't know" racism is when white people feel they can do things to people of color, such as touching their hair, that would typically be socially unacceptable. "I am definitely not" racism is when white people try to learn about other ethnic groups cultures and then act like experts in the field when they are really not. Overall Yamato feels racism cannot be beat in a day and encourages people to fight against it.
Points to Share
A section of Gloria Yamato's article appears as if it was taken from Allan Johnson's article. That paragraph is all about power and privilege.
Lastly Yamato brings up internment camps towards the end of her piece. She says white will never need or be allowed to be in them. This made me think of a book I read this summer on the Japanese internment camps in WWII. I was part of Open Books Open Minds, the required reading program for freshmen, as a mentor. The book we read was called When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka. I did not particular like it but if you are interested in the subject, you may like it: http://www.amazon.com/When-Emperor-Divine-Julie-Otsuka/dp/0385721811.
I thought you did a really good job of explaining the different types of racism that Yamato describes. It was clear and concise, and I look forward to learning more about this article in class!
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