New York Paralegal Blog

Part 1: Defining Systemic Power and Why Black People Cannot Wield It It’s one of the most common—and contentious—questions in discussions about race: "Can Black people be racist against white people?" To answer it accurately, we must look beyond individual actions and consider the systems of power that shape our society. This post will define the crucial difference between simple prejudice and entrenched systemic power, demonstrating why the concept of "reverse racism" fundamentally misunderstands how power operates in America. Prejudice vs. Power: Defining Discrimination Yes, a Black person can hold prejudices or biases against a white person. They can say hurtful things, treat someone unfairly based on their race, or even make biased decisions in a one-on-one interaction. This is individual discrimination or prejudice. It is harmful and wrong, and it hurts individuals. However, this is where the conversation often stops, missing a vital piece of the pu...

By: Joel Irving  The America of the 1940s and 50s often evokes a nostalgic image of booming industry, white picket fences, and a sense of unified national pride. However, a closer examination of the workforce during this era, particularly before the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, reveals a landscape starkly defined by racial and gender segregation. Opportunities in prominent sectors like banking, law, and healthcare were overwhelmingly dictated by these demographic lines, painting a picture far removed from the idealized visions some may hold. Banks: A Male, Pale Domain Step into a typical bank in the pre-Civil Rights era, and the scene would have been overwhelmingly white and male, especially in customer-facing and managerial roles. While women, predominantly white women, were present, they were largely confined to clerical positions – tellers, secretaries, and bookkeepers – with limited avenues for advancement. African Americans and other minority groups faced even greater e...