Race vs Class: The Debate

I believe that class plays a very important role in society. Many people act differently depending on their social class. Class isn’t limited to solely one person’s financial status, but instead how someone holds themselves. Class still plays a massive role in everyday life. For example, some people are allowed to do certain things because of their class. One of the easiest ways to distinguish people between certain classes is based on money. People of the lower class tend to act differently than those of a higher class. I feel like it is somewhat of a stupid concept if you really think about it. Even though I believe it is stupid, we cannot avoid being put into certain social classes. On the other hand, race is something that you are born into and can be easily distinguished by. Sadly, in some areas, certain races have harder times than other races. I believe that both race and class play way too much of an important role in everyday life. When I meet new people I don’t care what race or class they are, instead, I’m more interested in meeting who I am talking with.

Malcolm X believed all of America’s and Africa’s problems were based on class. I would agree with this. People of higher class tend to have more say in decision-making. This leads the lower class to be told what to do. This happens every day almost everywhere around the world. If we did not have social class I think we would live in a completely different world. When comparing class and race there are many differences. A person cannot change their race, but they can work to change their class. I believe Malcolm X’s strategy to change the topic from race to class was good. Instead of trying to battle a debate regarding race, approaching social class allowed African Americans to prove their worth in America.

 
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One Reply to “Race vs Class: The Debate”

  1. I agree that there is a big conversation to be had when it comes to class and race. Yes, race is something you are born into, but I also believe that class is something you are also born into. You don’t get to choose what class you’re born into; this can have a massive effect on how you are treated and how you go about living your life. Class has a very big role on how you are treated in society, because more often than not, races are divided by class as well. The lowest class is primarily composed of Hispanic and African American’s while the upper middle class and the wealthiest of classes is dominated by white families. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you are screwed because of your class, that you’re stuck where you are with no way out. However, it’s a rough start.
    People love to throw the phrase “if you work hard enough” around a lot when it comes to this topic. I won’t deny that working hard does get you to better places in life, but because of your race and because of your class you sometimes have to work twice as hard. I have seen firsthand the amount of work and dedication it takes for someone to crawl out of the lower class. On the other hand, I have also seen people who never got the opportunity or a chance to break free from their class.
    Statistically you are at a greater disadvantage if you are of lower class and fall under a minority. Although, I don’t quite agree with your statement of disregarding race when it comes to these debates, I do agree with the sentiment of approaching social classes and bringing them into the debate. Breaking down social classes is only the start of this long journey.

     

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