In this video, Professor Tricia Rose explains the concept of structural racism and how it operates in the United States. Structural racism operates as an intentional construction in many spheres of society (housing, wealth, criminal justice, education, media, etc.) in ways that reinforce each other and intensify its impact on black and brown people in America. Addressing one issue in isolation, such as ending mass incarceration, will not solve all the interconnected issues of structural racism.

In addition, Rose explains colorblindness, how it is manifested in public narratives, and creates a general and inaccurate perception that race is no longer an impediment to individuals and communities as a whole. She emphasizes that colorblindness inhibits progress towards constructive conversations and actions aimed at addressing structural racism.

This is an edited version of the original 2015 lecture at Brown University.

CSREA: https://www.brown.edu/academics/race-ethnicity/