Globalization & Race in the Term Paper

The increased proximity and corresponding increased racial tension between the two groups are intensified because of the dynamics of globalization that operates American society and economy. Globalization induces economic growth through increased businesses in the U.S., and the American economy responds to this increase in businesses by employing more manpower to accomplish daily business tasks and operations. Because of the reality that human labor costs among ethnic minorities are relatively lower than the wages of the privileged white Americans, more and more members of the ethnic minorities are employed. Thus, white Americans and the minorities are "joined together" by economic forces: the white Americans because of their economic privileges, and the ethnic minorities because of their economic need to survive and live the American dream of becoming economically prosperous in the country.

In line with Maharidge's arguments, Andrew Barlow also explicated on the increased racism and tension that white Americans feel with the threat of eventually being displaced by the ethnic minorities in what they consider their 'own' territory: America. In his analysis of the social dynamics that occurred in America in the 20th and 21st centuries, the emergence of a "colorblind racism" developed, which is synonymous with Maharidge's concept ethnic or racial tension that he observed in the state of California.

Colorblind racism" is portrayed as much worse or negatively intensified than racism that white Americans used to have against black Americans. Using this concept of colorblind racism, Barlow expressed his concern that white Americans may utilize legislation and policy-making as a new avenue through which subtle and even unidentified forms of racism can be implemented through "veiled" policies. For him, acts of racism must always be "monitored," and constantly discussed in an open venue so that, in a globalized American economy, both white Americans and members of ethnic minorities are given both equal privileges and opportunities in life. Barlow believed that racism is integral in the white American's psyche and that American society is structured in a manner that favors white Americans and provides less or no opportunities for ethnic minorities -- thus, the need for constant vigilance and monitoring of possible occurrence and incidences of "colorblind racism."