Racial Opression for People in Poverty 1

Racial Oppression for People in Poverty

Alex Duncan

Lenoir Community College

ENG-112-BL10

Mrs. Brewer

March 3, 2023

Abstract

Racial oppression in poverty is a complex issue studied extensively in the literature. This

literature review explores how racial oppression affects individuals and communities living in

poverty. The review will examine the historical context of racial oppression, the impact of

poverty on racial minorities, and the various forms of oppression within poverty-stricken

communities. Additionally, the review will explore how racial oppression can be addressed and

mitigated to improve the lives of those affected.

Introduction
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Racial oppression in poverty is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide. Poverty is a lack

of access to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It is a condition that affects people

of all races, but racial minorities are disproportionately affected by poverty. This is due to

various factors, including systemic racism, discrimination, and historical injustices. As a society,

we are responsible for addressing these root causes and working towards creating a more

equitable and just system for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. This can be achieved

through education, advocacy, and policy changes prioritizing marginalized communities' needs

and voices.

Discussion

Historical Context of Racial Oppression. The history of racial oppression in the United States

is complex and multifaceted. From slavery to Jim Crow laws to redlining, racial minorities have

faced many obstacles that have prevented them from achieving economic and social mobility.

Slavery was one of American history's most egregious forms of racial oppression. For over 200

years, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and brought to the United States

to work as enslaved people. Slavery was a brutal system that denied African Americans

fundamental human rights and subjected them to inhumane living conditions. After the abolition

of slavery, African Americans faced a new form of oppression in the form of Jim Crow laws.

These laws were designed to enforce racial segregation and discrimination. They denied African

Americans accessed to education, healthcare, and job opportunities and subjected them to

violence and intimidation. Redlining was another form of racial oppression that emerged in the

20th century. This practice involved denying African Americans access to housing and other

resources based on race. Redlining led to the creation of racially segregated neighborhoods and

perpetuated racial inequalities. The impact of these historical injustices is still felt today. African
Racial Opression for People in Poverty 3

Americans continue to face systemic racism and discrimination in all aspects of their lives. This

has led to a disproportionate number of African Americans living in poverty and facing many

challenges that prevent them from achieving economic and social success.

Impact of Poverty on Racial Minorities. The effects of poverty on racial minorities are

profound. Deprivation can lead to poor access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. It

can also lead to poor health outcomes, increased crime rates, and a lack of social mobility. One

of the most significant impacts of poverty on racial minorities is the lack of access to education.

Children living in poverty are less likely to have access to quality education and are more likely

to drop out of school. This can lead to a lack of job opportunities and perpetuate the cycle of

poverty. Poverty also has a significant impact on health outcomes. Individuals living in poverty

are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and have a shorter life expectancy. This is due to

a lack of access to healthcare, healthy food options, and safe living conditions. In addition,

poverty can lead to increased crime rates. Individuals living in poverty are more likely to engage

in criminal behavior to survive. This can perpetuate the cycle of poverty, as individuals with

criminal records may have difficulty finding employment and may be subject to discrimination.

Forms of Oppression within Poverty-Stricken Communities. There are a variety of

forms of oppression that exist within poverty-stricken communities. These include systemic

racism, discrimination, and violence. Systemic racism is a form of oppression deeply ingrained

in American society. It is a system that perpetuates racial inequalities and denies individuals of

color access to resources and opportunities. Systemic racism can be seen in all aspects of society,

from education to healthcare to employment. This is why it is crucial for individuals and

institutions to actively work towards dismantling systemic racism and creating a more equitable

society for all. One way to achieve this is by implementing policies that promote diversity,
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equity, and inclusion in all aspects of culture. Furthermore, it is crucial for individuals to actively

educate themselves on the history and impact of systemic racism to advocate for and support

these policies effectively.

References

Diaz, R. M., Ayala, G., Bein, E., Henne, J., & Martin, B. V. (2001). The impact of homophobia,

poverty, and racism on the mental health of gay and bisexual Latino men: Findings from

3 US cities. American Journal of Public Health, 91(6), 927-32. Retrieved from

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Fish, A. (2020). Agency in absentia: Child authorship under racial oppression in

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Lion and the Unicorn, 44(1), 56-77. doi:https://doi.org/10.1353/uni.2020.0004

Iceland, J. (2019). Reply to “A call to focus on racial domination and oppression: A response to

‘Racial and ethnic inequality in poverty and affluence, 1959–2015’”. Population

Research and Policy Review, 38(5), 665-669.

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Western, B. (2019). RACE, POVERTY, AND JUSTICE REFORM. Du Bois Review, 16(1),

177-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742058X19000225

Williams, D. T. (2019). A call to focus on racial domination and oppression: A response to

“Racial and ethnic inequality in poverty and affluence, 1959–2015″. Population Research

and Policy Review, 38(5), 655-663. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-019-09538-x