Panel Idea for Wiscon 34

[bcholmes]

In the last few minutes of the class panel, someone asked, "can you explain the relationship between class and race and sexism, and how all of that operates?" (or words to that effect?)

We suggested that maybe that's a topic for a panel for next year. Here's a thought about a panel write-up:

The Pinko-Commie Panel

Various panels at Wiscon have looked at racism, sexism, classism and other -isms and what those things mean, and how they operate. A lot of conversation centres on representation, as if greater representation might automatically wear down the -isms. That view seems to suggest that racism, classism, etc., are products of individual choices that are made from a place of ignorance. Another perspective is that -isms are necessary inputs to the system in which we operate, and that the system demands their perpetuation. Perhaps it's because capitalism needs access to cheap labour, or the people in power need a Stanford prison-like conflict to maintain control. Let's discuss how the system operates, and what role various identities play on that system.

I'm looking for input about how to make that punchier, or more interesting.

Comments

[firecat]

I agree with your points about representation and individual choice, but I think the panel topic would be clearer if you just said what the panel is about and not what it's not about. So here's my stab at it:

Let's talk about how the system demands the perpetuation of racism, sexism, classism and other -isms. Perhaps it's because capitalism needs access to cheap labour, or the people in power need a Stanford prison-like conflict to maintain control. Let's discuss how the system operates, and what role various identities play on that system.

[wild_irises]

I might say:

Let's talk about whether, how, and how much the system requires the perpetuation of racism, sexism, classism, and other -isms. How and why would the system fall apart if it didn't have these inequities to rely on? When we say "the system," do we mean capitalism? Or what we call democracy? Or something bigger than both?