Response Paper
Response Paper
Contact hypothesis is one of the best ways to enhance good relationship among social groups that have been at conflict with one another. This theory states that contact between people of different cultural and racial backgrounds can reduce prejudice (Miller & Brewer, 2013). This theory states that having contact with another person increases understanding because the two individuals can listen and appreciate divergent views. This mutual understanding can helping reducing prejudice. Thus, the occurrence of discrimination, racism, and stereotyping can be managed by having contact with diverse groups. Although people tend to behave differently as per social identities, contact hypothesis believes fosters mutual cooperation and understanding.
Stories that impacted on my life
Throughout my life, I have come to recognize the reality of racial discrimination. The problem with racial prejudice and discrimination is common in the United States. People have been made to believe that non-White communities are the only victims of stereotyping. The media has focused on several cases in which minority populations experience prejudice. However, little has been done to expose the forms of discrimination that white individuals go through in minority communities. One of the most unfortunate events that impacted on my life was the Charleston shooting in which nine people were killed in a church because of their social identities.
It was reported that a young man who disguised as a believer opened fire on innocent worshippers, killing nine including the state senator. This event reflects many other untold stories of racial discrimination and prejudice. The killer is said to be a believer in white supremacy and thus, he could not hide his racial anger. In Ferguson, Missouri, a white cop shot dead an innocent black person. When he was taken to court, the jury released the cop on the grounds of innocence. These events confirm the existence of discrimination and the construction of racism. I believe that people should be more tolerant towards one another and reject extreme behaviour of a few people who want to disturb global peace.
Crash and racism
Are all stereotypes?
All the incidences in the movie are not all stereotypes. When Anthony and Peter carjack the couple, they do so not because the couple comes from white origin but because the condition which they live in is deplorable. They lack the means to acquire their needs. However, it is possible to deduce that the condition of Anthony and Peter is due to the history of racism in this part of the United States. The behaviour of Matt Dillon is discriminative. The way he handles Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton reveals his deep hatred for minority (Farris, 2007). Dillon sexually harasses Newton for no reason. This behaviour demonstrates aversive forms of racism.
How twisted stereotypes create empathy
Stereotypes are twisted in this movie to create a sense of empathy among audience. For example, the robbery of Sandra Bullock and her husband by the African Americans reveals lack of safety among the members of this society. One may readily think that the actions of the young men are justified because of their inability to afford decent lives. On the flipside, there nothing to be empathetic about in the young men. This is because Daniel, who equally struggles to earn a living is a victim of robbery. This draws feelings of empathy from the two types of audience in the movie.
Characters in your world
Several characters in this book are reflected in the lives of people close to me. For example, I see our family friend in the life of Brenda Fraser, who works a district attorney in San Francisco. He is a hardworking individual and an avid reader of books. Although he is unable to afford all the things of the world, Daniel represents some of my friends who work very hard to earn an honest living despite the limitations of their backgrounds. The life of Terrence Howard in the movie reminds me of successful black people who have defied the bounds of race to excel in life.
References
Farris, Christine. "Crash Course: Race, Class, and Context." College English
69.4 (2007): 346. Print.
Miller, N. S., & Brewer, M. B. (Eds.). (2013). Groups in contact: The psychology of
desegregation. Academic Press.
