Soci - Chapter 8 Quiz

An action or behavior that results in the unequal treatment of an individual because of his or her membership in a racial or ethnic group is called

discrimination.

How do we decide when to display situational ethnicity?

We do a cost-benefit analysis.

Which term describes the slights, insults, and misperceptions directed at members of a minority group that play out in everyday interactions?

microaggressions

How does color blindness contribute to racial inequalities?

It perpetuates racial inequalities by making subtle forms of racism difficult to recognize and therefore difficult to address.

In 1991, an enormous controversy erupted after five Los Angeles police officers were caught on tape beating a motorist named Rodney King. Many people see it as a blatant act of discrimination, although there continues to be much controversy regarding the event. Under what circumstances would this beating be considered institutional discrimination?

It would be considered institutional discrimination if the leadership of the Los Angeles Police Department condoned or encouraged this type of behavior on a regular basis.

Brazilians have many other racial categories, including moreno, mulato, neguinho, and pretinho. Most of these terms do not have an equivalent in the United States. What does this tell you?

Race is a social construct.

For a long time, the fact that immigrants from eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America tended to be shorter than native-born Americans was taken as evidence that there were inherent racial differences between these populations. However, the immigrants had children who grew up to be as tall as anyone else. Geneticists now tell us that, although there can be considerable variation in height within a group due to genetics, height differences between groups are largely caused by diet. What does this demonstrate?

Racial differences are socially constructed and not genetic.

Despite demographic shifts, how can you tell that whites are still the dominant group in California?

They have more power, resources, and representation in social institutions.

Which of the following is an example of prejudice?

believing that Asians are better at math

Halloween costume makers and retailers make generous profits from selling costumes that allow their wearers to be Indian princesses or gypsies. What are they engaging in by profiting from the stereotypical display of marginalized groups without fully understanding and appreciating the culture?

cultural appropriation

In 1993, six African American Secret Service agents filed a complaint with the Department of Justice against Denny's for refusal of service. They argued that the restaurant took much longer to serve them than other customers. Thousands of other African Americans came forward with similar allegations after the complaint was filed. What are these allegations evidence of?

institutional discrimination

What has it been referred to as when minority group members are prejudice against themselves or their own group?

internalized racism