Jenny Xie Wk 5 Response

In this article, James discussed how democracy is dysfunctional for African Americans. She starts the article by analyzing segregated communities, showing how segregation exists in gated communities and prisons. These segregations disproportionately affect individuals’ access to resources and economic opportunities. This reminds me of “ghettos,” a term that describes urban neighborhoods high in crime and poverty. My roommate, who lived in a poorer community, shared with me that she saw a gun every other week. The deepest reason for ghettos to exist, as James pointed out, is the legacy of racial segregation, but they continue to exist because of the continued disparity in economic resources for minorities. As we see in the photobook, there is a huge racial diversity within these communities on Buford Highway. As James has noted, these segregated communities led to a disappearance of diversity: “while universities are becoming increasingly white, prisons black or brown.”

Then, James talked about how this class and racial inequality led to a disproportionate number of Black individuals in prison. This reminded me of the book The Hate U Give, which shows the systemic racism toward Black people. The main character, Starr, witnessed her only friend being shot by a white police officer because of a suspicion that he had a gun. This story is based on real-life events, showing how systemic racism and discrimination still perpetuate. In the narration that follows, Starr shows how the communities suffer from cycles of drugs and gangs—Black individuals in poorer communities are uneducated and have limited opportunities, so the only choice they have is to participate in the drug business. This has reinforced cycles of poverty and crime, which in turn perpetuate negative stereotypes about Black communities.

In conclusion, James’ analysis of segregation, and racial and economic disparity in communities, shows how democracy is sometimes dysfunctional for Black individuals. Her analysis allows us to critically examine the current structure and think about ways to push further to challenge this dysfunctional structure.