Below is a peer in my class response to a discussion post question. Please respond to my classmate initial post. You can agree, add additional information that you think was left out or elaborate more on what is being said. Do not disagree with my classmate.

Here is the question:

The Power of an Illusion

While the race, gender, culture, religion, and sexual orientation topics currently being tackled in our communities can be difficult to discuss or seem overwhelming, such conversations are necessary for learning, growth, and advancements in a diverse society. You must sometimes step outside of your comfort zone as you examine these topics through critical thinking and research instead of relying on personal opinions.

Race has been an issue from the begin of the American civilization and continues to repeat itself in our nation. No matter how many civil rights movements, constitutional acts, or improvements are made; mankind will never see each other as equal. My initial reaction to the clips that are provided were not a shock. After working in the criminal justice field for over eleven years, I've seen race issues take place far too often. My thoughts on the power of illusion in regards to the focus of the video clips on race are that things are still the same no matter how many "improvements" have been made. The fact that there has to be improvements on how a race is treated is sicking being that the constitution states "all men were created equal". How are all men created equal if this was written in a time were it was okay for people to be enslaved? "In September 2020, President Trump issued an executive order excluding from federal contracts any diversity and inclusion training interpreted as containing "Divisive Concepts," "Race or Sex Stereotyping," and "Race or Sex Scapegoating" (George, 2021). Even in this day and age, race is still an issue and topic of discussion. Overall, I thought the Power of Illusion clips are a very good opener to get people to understand where our ration really is on the topic of race. Many people are in denial and have a belief that all people have the same opportunities to succeed at life. The truth is, that many people of color and different races have to work a thousand times harder to obtain the American dream.

References

California News Reel. (n.d.).Race - thepower of an illusion[Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9YMCKp5myI

California News Reel. (n.d.).Race - the power of an illusion: Episode 2[Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UZS8Wb4S5k

California News Reel. (n.d.).Race the house we live in[Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW764dXEI_8

George,J. (2021, January 11).A lesson on critical race theory. American Bar Association.https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/civil-rights-reimagining-policing/a-lesson-on-critical-race-theory/