Combatting Racism
Matt Lombardi
Professor RobbGrieco
COM416
16 February 2023
LEAP 1 Essay
Creating a piece of propaganda was overall a great experience, especially when creating a piece regarding a social issue that matters. In this case, I created a piece of propaganda through the use of an infographic in hopes to put an end to racism in my local community. I feel as though infographics can be an extremely effective piece of propaganda. My aim was on this infographic was for advocacy, activism, and education, which can all be found in the Mind over Media text by Hobbs. I feel as though by providing us different definitions, we can see a first-hand experience of how the definition of propaganda changes as more technological advances are made.
The process I chose in my infographic to help battle racism has mostly to do having and how to have a conversation regarding racism, whether with someone white or a person of color. I wanted to create an easy to read and visually pleasing piece, allowing for readers to be able to interact more fluidly. The first thing I had to do however, was gather research and evidence regarding racism. With the recent police brutality attacks we’ve been a part of as a country, I found it important to be educated on the topic prior to making an infographic.
Once some background research was done, it was time to finally complete the infographic piece. The first and probably one of the more important topics on the infographic involves the idea of white privilege. As a white male in the year 2023, It’d be pretty detrimental to my social life if I could not recognize the privileges that come with being white. Unlike people of color, I’m able to walk freely whether at campus or in public, and not have to worry about others belittling me based on the color of my skin alone. I truly feel as though someone’s heart and mentality make a person, not the color of their skin. The same cannot be said for much of the US population who are still stuck in the mid 1900’s when it comes to their views on people of color. White privilege doesn’t just stop at not being worried about others public judgement but can lead into systemic issues in our country where people of color have harder times getting jobs and equal opportunities in education. Recognizing white privilege is the first step in becoming educated in trying to combat racism.
The next topic I found crucial to speak about in the infographic is that people must be willing to engage in having hard conversations about racism. Not being in your comfort zone is a great way to gain more knowledge and push the boundaries as too how much you can learn about racism. I feel as though there is a misconception regarding how white people should learn about racism through people of color directly. When in fact, this statement could not be more wrong. The burden of education should not be laid upon those oppressed and facing injustices.
Not only must people be willing to have uncomfortable conversations but preparing for the conversation can lead to a much better understanding of the oppression your partner may be facing. There are many ways to prepare for the conversation, but I find it most important to be previously educated and coming to the conversation with resources and background information. Showing your partner examples of recent news tragedies regarding police brutality on people of color, can give you a good perspective on the emotions and reactions of your partner, and eventually these can be analyzed in further detail.
The next two big segments I wanted to cover within the infographic would be aspects of having the conversation and the do nots when having said conversation regarding racism. Through some background research I found it best to always start the conversation from a place of care and sense of curiosity and willing to learn on the current issues. Asking open ended questions allows for an easy response from your partner and will eventually lead to a better flow of communication allowing for more topics of discussion. Some of the do nots regarding your conversation about racism in communities can include not immediately ending the conversation after feeling uncomfortable. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to a greater appreciation and more knowledge towards ending racism. Another do not of the conversation is do not feel like you are alone throughout it. Bring recent news examples of racism and come with the intent to reflect on the issues with your partner. Through this piece of propaganda, I aimed to educate and spread awareness on the issue and how we can continue to fight racism.
Lastly, the final piece I wanted to discuss in the infographic was actually taking physical action once the conversation is over. Actually, conversations regarding racism should never “end”, but instead more of once you and your partner are done meeting. It was found “about 75% of the youth believe voting is the best way to combat racism” (Allison 40). What better way to combat racism than through voting for elected officials with the same beliefs and feelings towards ending race issues? Not only can people vote, but there are numerous nonprofit organizations that support ending racism whether it be systemically or institutionally. Sharing and donating to these nonprofits is an extremely effective way to combat racism on a national level. On the off chance you do not want to donate to a nonprofit, then get out there and support black owned businesses. These types of businesses are often overlooked when it comes to government aid and thus leads to financial struggles.
I intended this infographic to be more of an educational piece of propaganda, regarding racism itself, and some way to combat the issue. Also, if people like me were interested in combatting racism, then my infographic can be used as a way of personalized persuasion for when users log onto the “dosomething.org” website. Also, I tried to incorporate the use of an attractive heading/thumbnail in my piece, so that the art catches the readers eye and hopefully motivates them to read my infographic. If I could have helped just one person be a batter overall human being, I feel as though I’ve done what I set out to do. Systemic and institutional racism have no place in the year 2023, and through this infographic I hope people can learn to have hard conversations regarding the matter.
References
Allison, M. (n.d.). How white people can talk to each other about disrupting racism. DoSomething.org. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.dosomething.org/us/dummy-for-redirect-how-white-people-can-talk-to-each-other-about-disrupting
Disrupt racism. DoSomething.org. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.dosomething.org/us/campaigns/anti-racist-conversations/other-actions
