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Chapter 9 Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity 299
According to Feagin, the most tragic cost of this continuing discrimination is the ongoing physical and psychological drain felt by the vic- tims. Isolated discriminatory acts may appear in- significant to whites, but years of being the target of discriminatory actions have a cumulative effect. Many African Americans report having developed a “second eye” to analyze interracial situations. As one respondent said:
I think that it causes you to have to look at things from two different perspectives. You have to decide whether things that are done or slights that are made are made because you are black or they are made because the person is just rude, or unconcerned and uncaring. So it’s kind of a situation where you’re always kind of looking to see with a second eye or a second antenna just what’s going on (Feagin, 1991:115).
Feagin concluded that what may appear to American whites as “black paranoia,” then, is ac- tually a developed sensitivity to continuous dis- criminatory encounters. Despite decades of legal protection, Feagin says, African Americans have not attained the full promise of the American dream. Although middle-class African Americans work hard for their success, it is too often over- shadowed by the legacy of past racist actions.
Working with the Research
1. Do you agree that disadvantages related to economic class are currently more harmful to African Americans than racism and discrimination? Why or why not?
2. Do you believe that Feagin adequately tested his hypothesis? Explain your conclusion.
3. Which of the three major theoretical perspectives best fits Feagin’s research study? Defend your choice.
Because of decades of racism and discrimination, this obviously successful African American couple may still have trouble getting a cab driver to stop for them.