Between the world and me

What is meant by these concepts? How does Coates speak of them? Where do these concepts come from? Who is included and who is excluded in these definitions? Who benefits and who is harmed by these definitions? What has shaped your understanding of these concepts up to now?

• Race: defined as the feature of a person, the act of dividing people into categories, the child of racism,

• The American Dream: The Dream of a better life, of a “normal life”

• American exceptionalism: the way America believes they are God’s gift to humanity

• Democracy: the soul and religeon of America

• Capitalism: working for one’s own benefit over others

• White privilege: Not having to worry for their safety like they do

Coates obviously doesn’t seem to like these concepts very much. He believes it has done it’s part in racism in the US. I suppose these concepts might have originated in America and as such, I believe it affects those who reside within America. If we were to go on what Coates say, racism benefits the white man and harms the black. Living in San Francisco has shaped my opinion of these concepts.