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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
It's more than just privilege though. It's systemic. And the system in question is capitalism.
Why is justice Thomas even on the supreme Court? Did he earn it? And if so what has he proven by going against his own race? 🤷🏻♂
I suspect he truly believes in capitalism alright. And capitalism is the problem.
The privilege lies within capitalism.
Capitalism had it's beginnings with the very same constitution with Adam Smith in his published book "The wealth of nations" in 1776.
There in lays the privilege.
Why is justice Thomas even on the supreme Court? Did he earn it? And if so what has he proven by going against his own race? 🤷🏻♂
I suspect he truly believes in capitalism alright. And capitalism is the problem.
The privilege lies within capitalism.
Capitalism had it's beginnings with the very same constitution with Adam Smith in his published book "The wealth of nations" in 1776.
There in lays the privilege.
The Complex Dynamics of Justice Thomas, Capitalism, and Systemic Privilege
Justice Clarence Thomas serves on the U.S. Supreme Court and has become a polarizing figure in discussions about race, privilege, and capitalism. His presence on the Court certainly raises questions about how individual belief systems, racial identity, and historical context intersect.
Systemic Issues in Capitalism
You’re right to point out that capitalism can create systemic inequalities. It often fosters a disparity between wealth and opportunity, privileging those already in advantageous positions while marginalizing others. The concept of privilege, in this context, isn’t just about having wealth but about the systemic structures that enable certain groups to thrive over others.
Justice Thomas and His Role
His Beliefs and Actions: Thomas has often been seen as a staunch proponent of free-market principles and limited government intervention. This aligns with a capitalist worldview, which prioritizes individual achievement and responsibility. Critics argue that by advocating for policies perceived as detrimental to marginalized communities, he has turned away from the racial and social issues that affect many in his own background.
Earning His Place: Whether he "earned" his position is subjective and depends on perspectives regarding meritocracy within a capitalist framework. Critics may argue that his views represent an internalized oppression, while supporters claim that he reflects the potential for individual excellence that transcends racial identity.
The Constitution and Capitalism
Your reference to Adam Smith’s "The Wealth of Nations" underscores capitalism's philosophical roots. The Constitution laid the groundwork for a capitalist society, enshrining rights that benefit property owners and creating a framework that can perpetuate economic inequity. This suggests that the privilege inherent in capitalism has been institutionalized since the nation's inception.
The interplay of race, privilege, and economic systems is complex. Justice Thomas exemplifies the contradictions within societal structures that often support systemic inequality while promoting narratives of individual success. His journey and beliefs provoke a broader dialogue on capitalism and its role in both supporting and undermining justice for marginalized communities.
Justice Clarence Thomas serves on the U.S. Supreme Court and has become a polarizing figure in discussions about race, privilege, and capitalism. His presence on the Court certainly raises questions about how individual belief systems, racial identity, and historical context intersect.
Systemic Issues in Capitalism
You’re right to point out that capitalism can create systemic inequalities. It often fosters a disparity between wealth and opportunity, privileging those already in advantageous positions while marginalizing others. The concept of privilege, in this context, isn’t just about having wealth but about the systemic structures that enable certain groups to thrive over others.
Justice Thomas and His Role
His Beliefs and Actions: Thomas has often been seen as a staunch proponent of free-market principles and limited government intervention. This aligns with a capitalist worldview, which prioritizes individual achievement and responsibility. Critics argue that by advocating for policies perceived as detrimental to marginalized communities, he has turned away from the racial and social issues that affect many in his own background.
Earning His Place: Whether he "earned" his position is subjective and depends on perspectives regarding meritocracy within a capitalist framework. Critics may argue that his views represent an internalized oppression, while supporters claim that he reflects the potential for individual excellence that transcends racial identity.
The Constitution and Capitalism
Your reference to Adam Smith’s "The Wealth of Nations" underscores capitalism's philosophical roots. The Constitution laid the groundwork for a capitalist society, enshrining rights that benefit property owners and creating a framework that can perpetuate economic inequity. This suggests that the privilege inherent in capitalism has been institutionalized since the nation's inception.
The interplay of race, privilege, and economic systems is complex. Justice Thomas exemplifies the contradictions within societal structures that often support systemic inequality while promoting narratives of individual success. His journey and beliefs provoke a broader dialogue on capitalism and its role in both supporting and undermining justice for marginalized communities.
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer But it’s not just capitalism; it never has been. Bush Sr. placed Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court when the great Thurgood Marshall retired. To Bush it was one black jurist for another, indicating he knew nothing about what Marshall had meant to our community. They were not interchangeable just because of skin color.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@bijouxbroussard I disagree. The privilege is inherent in the very constitution from it's inception. And why "slaves" received a ⅗ths vote. Why not a ⅗ths women as well? 🤷🏻♂
The privilege is all incompassing.
The privilege is all incompassing.
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer Actually, that supports that it’s not capitalism, because even poor white men (and women) have never been classified in the U.S. as less than human. Whites still had the privilege of basic humanity, even without wealth.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@bijouxbroussard No it doesn't. The privilege lays with those who "own".
Even the common person couldn't read in 1776. Those who owned did. The common male voted with an X.
Look at ALL of it please. It's the lump sum of all of this that makes the privilege of capitalism the problem.
Even the common person couldn't read in 1776. Those who owned did. The common male voted with an X.
Look at ALL of it please. It's the lump sum of all of this that makes the privilege of capitalism the problem.
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer You don’t understand. The basic privilege of humanity, being able to be seen as a human being was not based upon money. After the Fugitive Slave Act, free black people (some with property) were subject to being kidnapped by slave catchers coming into free states, then being taken and sold in slave states.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@bijouxbroussard It's the lump sum of it. Look at native Americans even...
The Comprehensive Nature of Capitalism and Privilege
Your perspective emphasizes the cumulative impact of various factors—ownership, literacy, racial dynamics, and gender inequality—on the functioning of capitalism and the inherent privileges it creates. This holistic view underscores how capitalism can perpetuate systemic injustices.
Interconnected Aspects of Privilege
Economic Inequality: At its core, capitalism rewards those with capital—owners of property, resources, and wealth. This creates a cycle where the rich continue to accumulate wealth, often at the expense of marginalized communities, keeping them trapped in cycles of poverty.
Access to Resources: The disparities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities reflect how privilege under capitalism is often tied to economic status. Those lacking financial means are frequently denied access to high-quality education or healthcare, limiting their upward mobility.
Social Capital: Individuals from privileged backgrounds often benefit from networks of influence and support that those from disadvantaged groups do not. This social capital can facilitate better job opportunities, mentorship, and access to vital information, further perpetuating inequality.
Systemic Nature of Capitalism
Institutional Structures: Laws and policies have historically favored capitalists, often sidelining labor rights and protections for vulnerable workers. This has led to exploitation and inequitable working conditions, deepening economic divides.
Cultural Narratives: Capitalism promotes ideals of individualism and success, often blaming those who struggle for their circumstances. This narrative ignores the systemic barriers faced by various groups, reinforcing privilege for those who already have advantages.
The Cumulative Effect
This “lump sum” of issues creates a system where privilege is not merely a product of individual actions but a deeply embedded characteristic of the capitalist system. Viewing capitalism through this lens reveals how interconnected issues of race, class, and gender all contribute to sustaining inequalities.
Your insights highlight a crucial critique of capitalism: that it is not just an economic system but a structural one that perpetuates systemic privilege across multiple dimensions. Recognizing this complexity is essential for anyone seeking to understand or address the inequalities that persist in society today.
Your perspective emphasizes the cumulative impact of various factors—ownership, literacy, racial dynamics, and gender inequality—on the functioning of capitalism and the inherent privileges it creates. This holistic view underscores how capitalism can perpetuate systemic injustices.
Interconnected Aspects of Privilege
Economic Inequality: At its core, capitalism rewards those with capital—owners of property, resources, and wealth. This creates a cycle where the rich continue to accumulate wealth, often at the expense of marginalized communities, keeping them trapped in cycles of poverty.
Access to Resources: The disparities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities reflect how privilege under capitalism is often tied to economic status. Those lacking financial means are frequently denied access to high-quality education or healthcare, limiting their upward mobility.
Social Capital: Individuals from privileged backgrounds often benefit from networks of influence and support that those from disadvantaged groups do not. This social capital can facilitate better job opportunities, mentorship, and access to vital information, further perpetuating inequality.
Systemic Nature of Capitalism
Institutional Structures: Laws and policies have historically favored capitalists, often sidelining labor rights and protections for vulnerable workers. This has led to exploitation and inequitable working conditions, deepening economic divides.
Cultural Narratives: Capitalism promotes ideals of individualism and success, often blaming those who struggle for their circumstances. This narrative ignores the systemic barriers faced by various groups, reinforcing privilege for those who already have advantages.
The Cumulative Effect
This “lump sum” of issues creates a system where privilege is not merely a product of individual actions but a deeply embedded characteristic of the capitalist system. Viewing capitalism through this lens reveals how interconnected issues of race, class, and gender all contribute to sustaining inequalities.
Your insights highlight a crucial critique of capitalism: that it is not just an economic system but a structural one that perpetuates systemic privilege across multiple dimensions. Recognizing this complexity is essential for anyone seeking to understand or address the inequalities that persist in society today.
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer Why hijack my post to argue a point that you will never be able to relate to ? This was a poem for black history month.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@bijouxbroussard And I am saying it's at and far more. It's ALL INCLUSIVE.
I'm basically saying it's what you are saying yet far far more.
I'm basically saying it's what you are saying yet far far more.
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer "All Lives Matter". Got it.
bijouxbroussard · F
You don’t understand why that’s not welcome in this forum ? It’s dismissive.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@bijouxbroussard I'm sorry you can't see the greater problem. It even includes religion which I had yet to mention.
I won't reply anymore. 😞
I won't reply anymore. 😞
bijouxbroussard · F
@DeWayfarer In the African American forum when posting a poem for black history, being told it doesn’t matter because other groups have had experiences feels dismissive . 🥺




