Using your research question, working thesis, and outline from Touchstone 1.2, create an annotated bibliography that provides a synopsis of your 5-7 references and an explanation of how you will use them.

Reflection Questions

1. Accurately recording bibliographic information is essential and saves you time, as you can transfer this information to the References page of your drafted essay. Each source entry should include a brief summary of the source as well as 6 sentences, including a key quotation, describing how you intend to use that source to build or support your argument. Discuss how your annotated bibliography meets these criteria.
2. Which strategies were most helpful for you when searching for credible sources?
3. What difficulties did you face while searching for credible sources? How did you overcome these difficulties?

Touchstone 1.2 : Systemic racism in the United States

Research Question:

How can we effectively tackle systemic racism in the United States through comprehensive policy reforms in education, law enforcement, and economic equity?

Working Thesis:

Systemic racism continues to be a major obstacle to achieving racial equality in the U.S. However, we can address this challenge with focused reforms in education, law enforcement, and economic equity. These changes are essential not only for closing racial gaps but also for fostering a fairer and more just society for everyone.

Detailed Outline:

I. Introduction

1. Overview of Systemic Racism

Systemic racism can be understood as a collection of policies, practices, and societal customs that unfairly impact racial minorities, particularly Black Americans.

Systemic racism in the United States has deep roots, tracing back to the era of slavery, followed by periods of segregation and the establishment of discriminatory laws.

Tackling systemic racism is crucial for securing true racial justice and ensuring equity for all.

2. Thesis Statement

Present the argument that addressing systemic racism is possible through reforms in critical sectors: education, law enforcement, and economic policy.

Emphasize that these reforms are interlinked and essential for fostering enduring transformation.

II. The Role of Education in Perpetuating Systemic Racism

1. Disparities in Educational Access and Quality

Disparities in school funding persist, largely stemming from a dependence on local property taxes. This often leads to schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods being significantly underfunded.

There are notable gaps in academic achievement among different racial groups, a consequence of varying access to resources and opportunities.

2. The Impact of Curriculum and Cultural Representation

There is a significant gap in the representation and accurate portrayal of marginalized groups within our textbooks and curricula.

The implications of implicit bias in our educational practices and disciplinary actions disproportionately affect students of color.

3. Proposed Educational Reforms

It is essential to push for equitable funding policies and tackle the issues related to the school-to-prison pipeline.

We must reform our curriculum to include diverse perspectives and ensure that marginalized communities are adequately represented.

Increasing access to higher education is crucial, which can be achieved through scholarships, financial aid, and affirmative action programs.

III. The Role of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System

1. Racial Disparities in Policing and Incarceration

Data reveals significant disparities in arrest rates, police violence, and incarceration among Black and Hispanic populations.

Understanding the historical context of racial profiling and the War on Drugs is crucial.

2. Effects on Communities of Color

Trust between law enforcement and communities of color continues to diminish.

The effects of mass incarceration extend deep into Black families and neighborhoods, with lasting societal repercussions.

3. Proposed Reforms in Law Enforcement

There is a pressing need for police reform initiatives, including community policing, de-escalation training, and the implementation of body cameras.

Steps should be taken to eliminate cash bail and correct sentencing disparities.

Promoting restorative justice methods and reducing the reliance on mandatory minimum sentences can contribute to a more equitable justice system.

IV. Economic Inequality and Its Role in Systemic Racism

1. Wealth Gaps and Economic Disparities

The racial wealth gap is stark, with Black Americans' median net worth significantly lower than that of white Americans.

Historical injustices, including redlining, discriminatory lending, and wage inequalities, have perpetuated economic disadvantages for Black Americans.

2. Barriers to Employment and Economic Mobility

Employment discrimination poses significant barriers, and criminal records further hinder job opportunities for many.

Limited access to affordable housing and capital continues to create challenges for Black entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses.

3. Proposed Economic Reforms

There are calls for reparations or direct financial compensation as a means to confront the historical impact of slavery and discrimination.

Policy initiatives are essential to bridge the racial wealth gap, including targeted business loans for minority entrepreneurs and investments in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Strengthening anti-discrimination laws in both employment and housing is critical for fostering equality and opportunity.

V. Counterarguments and Responses

1. Opposition to Policy Reforms

Some people believe that systemic racism is no longer a prominent issue in the U.S., citing the election of a Black president and recent diversity efforts in corporate America.

Others contend that government efforts to combat systemic racism could be too expensive or result in reverse discrimination.

2. Responses to Counterarguments

It's important to recognize the ongoing evidence of racial disparities in areas like the criminal justice system, education, and the economy.

Addressing systemic racism is not about placing blame on anyone; it's about fostering equitable opportunities and rectifying historical injustices.

Investing in racial equity ultimately benefits everyone, promoting greater social harmony and economic growth.

VI. Conclusion

1. Restate the Importance of Addressing Systemic Racism

Reinforce the urgent need for reforms in education, law enforcement, and the economy to tackle racial disparities effectively.

Highlight the main arguments presented in the paper, underscoring how systemic racism continues to hinder the United States' foundational principles of equality and justice.

2. Call to Action

Motivate policymakers, educators, and community members to commit to persistent efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism, fostering a more equitable society for the generations to come.

3. Closing Thought

Contemplate the moral and practical ramifications of confronting systemic racism, considering its effects on individual communities and the country as a whole.

VII. References

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/02/examining-systemic-racism-advancing-racial-equity

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8688641/

https://www.businessinsider.com/charts-black-americans-gaping-economic-inequality-white-unemployment-earnings-financial-2020-6#the-unemployment-rate-for-black-americans-spiked-at-a-higher-rate-compared-to-white-americans-1

https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/360083-systemic-racism-is-so-rare-in-america-the-media-just-cant-stop-lying/

https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/black-workers-still-earn-less-white-counterparts

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/unequal-opportunity-race-and-education/

https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2018/09/10/study-suggests-admissions-officers-are-more-responsive-black