“Japan’s emergence as a major power during the early 1900s led some whites to valorize Japanese over Chinese immigrants, while China’s alliance with the United States during World War II reversed this comparison”
This quote caught my attention because when I was reading the text, I understood that the writer was trying to inform the audience about how the white population created an hierarchy in which they are at the top and other minority groups at the bottom. The quote got me feeling uncomfortable in that the white population can label other groups of people and choose which is more valuable than another. In this example, the white population compared China and Japan based on how useful the countries are to the United States. If the country is more useful to them, then the country and its people is “more” of value. It’s as if if one country loses its power to the U.S., the group of people would be of no value at all. I disagree with this way of thinking because any country and its people can become stronger one day, and not just the white population. There are downfalls of every country at different times, so I think every group is equally valuable no matter their prosperity.
As a white person it is also a little concerning to me that this hierarchy has been created and it is a little disturbing. It also shouldn’t be a “one for one” scenario where if a certain country does well for America, those people are viewed as better. Everyone should be viewed the same but unfortunately that isn’t how the world is today.
I totally agree with what you’ve stated, and it really just comes down to another major benefit of white privilege, where along with being respected by officials at the highest level, they could also choose the fate of their minorities, which is really saddening but true.
This quote didn’t catch my attention but after reading your response, I noticed the importance of it. America would value any country that will benefit them and try to belittle others who are making progress in becoming a super world power. I feel as if they purposefully do this because they know if the country is not ostracized, they have the capability of surpassing us and succeeding.
I agree with your statement that every group is equally valuable no matter their prosperity. I think that is so important to remember if you are from any minority groups because sometimes the feeling of being an outsider can kill you. I think it’s sad because America preaches about equality when in actuality it creates this competition between minority groups in order to maintain the power held by the white community.