Dimensions of Racism

Laura Pulildo explains how the definition of racism is defined too limitedly, and should be seen in a more broad scope. There are many different advantages and disadvantages that coincide with discrimination. Most people concentrate on extreme forms of racism that result in a physical altercation. There are many various forms that can fall under the category of discrimination. “Focusing exclusively on discriminatory actions ignores the fact that all places are racialized, and that race informs all places. Clearly, our preoccupation with discrete discriminatory acts ignores the vast dimensions of racism.” (Pulildo, 13) White privilege is a problem in our society. The privileges whites have over other ethnic minorities have more to do with the past versus the present. Their families in history started from the bottom long ago to have their many well-off decedents to be financially stable.  They were given a head start, with generations before them establishing the basics to which their families today have been born with. The remaining disadvantaged races were not allowed to reside in certain areas up until recently, making it more challenging to leave the area they’ve ended up in.  “Because whiteness is rarely problemized by whites, white privilege is scarcely acknowledged.” (Pulildo, 13) Many people pay more attention towards the discriminatory and hostile acts against races of color. People need to be aware that there is no single form of racism.