How Systemic Racism Impacts Us All

October 1st, 2020

Welcome our guests Robyne Walker Murphy and Dr. Ovita Williams as they explain systemic racism, the reasoning behind racism, and its impact on our country as a whole. As a Biobus Townhall, we will also examine how racism shapes the way we view science and education as a whole.

Guest Speakers

Robyne Walker Murphy

Executive director at Groundswell

Dr. Ovita Williams

Social Worker and Associate Director of Field Education

Ph.D. Associate Director of Field Education at Columbia University School of Social Work, adjunct professor https://socialwork.columbia.edu/faculty-research/faculty/adjunct/ovita-williams/

Executive director at the school of social work at Columbia University, social worker, therapist. Works at social work department, plans internships for MSW students, participates in anti-racial organizations.

Question Index

1. 7:10 - What does systemic racism mean? 2. 11:11 - How did racism start? 3. 15:53 - What are the consequences of ignoring race? 4. 18:56 - Why is 'whiteness' normalized as something that everybody has to aspire to? 5. 24:03 - What does racism have to do with science? How are people of color portrayed differently than White people in the media? 6. 27:17 - Could you discuss why race is a social construct and not a biological reality? What is it that makes us human? 7. 31:48 - How has eugenics shaped our current understanding of science? What ways have you worked to come back from that influence? What role can scientists play in writing anti-racist public policy? 8. 37:22 - Why do you think racist people discriminate against minorities after all the pain they've been through? 9. 42:57 - Why is racism against Asian Americans (who are always downplayed in their history) ignored? 10. 47:51 - What is cultural appropriation? 11. 54:10 - We over discipline students who come from poor and low income conditions. Can you discuss poverty disciplining in our school? 12. 57:38 - How does racism in the U.S. compare to racism in other countries?