Read two other summary postings (from Discussion 1, “Paper Summary”) of global ethnic groups you have not yet read about, comparing them to the country you chose and noting the similarities and differences of the issues listed above to the United States. Which of these countries has the best global model for ethnic relations in the world today? Why or why not? Create a 250-300 word post.
My Summary
Summary- South Africa: Society in Transition
The South African society had witnessed apartheid in which there was racial segregation of the black and the white population. The black people were treated like slaves and were not given equal rights in comparison to the whites, who could vote, contest elections, hold public positions of responsibility, move freely in the city centers, and attain higher education in schools, colleges, and universities. Since this division of the South African society was based on ethnic races, it resulted in suppression of the black race by the white race (Marger, 2009). Moreover, the blacks were confined within fences, and it was mandatory for them to show a passport that enabled their movement beyond the restricted boundaries. Is it possible for a racially discriminating society to achieve prosperity?
After several years of revolution, the apartheid policy was finally abolished in South Africa. However, a new society was born in which it was hoped that there would be no racial discrimination, but prejudice still exists between the people on the basis of class. Truth and reconciliation system was established with the objective of providing social, political, and economic stability to the country (Burtler, 2009).
In the new South African society, the people with money belong to the rich class, while those with less money belong to the poor class. It is interesting to note that both white and black people constitute the rich as well as the poor classes. The poor people are still discriminated by the rich people; so stratification still exists in the new South African society. It seems that the South African society is going through a period of transition from ethnic inequality to class inequality; however, in both these cases, prejudice and discrimination seem to be an integral part of the societal structure.
References
Burtler, A. (2009). Contemporary South Africa. 2nd Ed. Basingstoke, England: Palgrave Macmillan.
Marger, M.N. (2009). Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspectives. Belmont, C.A: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Summary #1
Race and gender inequalities in Brazil are analyzed in light of international human rights law and stadards. There is still controversy regarding the demographic category ‘blacks’ or African descendants and conflicts with the traditional racial democracy ideology by grouping together dark skinned and light skinned blacks. The human rights of African descendants are violated daily, especially with black women. Inequality is taken for granted as Brazilian society is traditionally authoritarian.
There are 3 main color or racial groups and population is broken down as follows: 54% are white, 40% Pardos, and 6% blacks. The ‘Pardo’ group refers to those who are neither black nor white; most regions refer to them as Mulatos.
Average income of a white Brazilian is 2.5 times larger than that of a black Brazilian. There is unequal geographic distribution of racial groups, mainly because of the geography of slavery, European immigration, and the reproductive history of the population. Non whites are at a geographic disadvantage as they settled in less developed regions. This factor has significantly contributed to racial inequality in Brazil.
Brazil inherited a highly stratified society from the colonial system and from slavery which persisted for almost 3 generations. The legacy of sharp socioeconomic stratification is reflected in Brazils highly skewed income distribution among the worlds worst.
Poverty was wide spread, reaching lowest levels in rural parts of the Northeast, but also including pockets of urban poverty in the largest cities in the developed regions.
Socio economic inequality involves subtle forms of residential, educational, and work place discrimination in such ways that members of distinct socioeconomic strata tend to live, work and circulate in different settings.
There is great prejudice against nonwhites and this is a great part of Brazil?s society, however it is not seen because of the physical contact between the ethnic groups in public.
Summary #2 Just read on Canada
