Racial Resentment, Wellstone Triangle, and the History of the Extreme Right

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Political Science
Question 1
The main takeaway from chapter six of the book is how white supremacy has contributed to voter suppression to allow the minority to rule over the majority. The use of money to influence the outcome of elections has contributed to a racially skewed system that invalidates the voice of a majority of Americans but favors the economic elite and organized groups representing business interests (McGhee 149). In chapter two of the book, McGhee uses the term “racial resentment” to indicate the negative beliefs that some whites have against people of color. Such individuals rely on stereotypes to discriminate against people of color. Individuals with high racial resentment are more likely to oppose racial public policies that protect people of color, like nondiscriminatory employment and college quotas (McGhee 40). Racial resentment drives individuals to consider people of color as having an unfair advantage, fueling feelings of hatred toward them. The underlying worldview of racial resentment is the idea that the progress of Black people is at the expense of white people (McGhee 21). Racial resentment affects how white people see policies meant to assist Black people. For instance, any attempt to advocate for Blacks, like racial inequality in health and economic status, is seen as an attempt to create a zero-sum game. The outcome of the resentment is far-reaching, considering that it makes it challenging to make policies aimed at promoting the welfare of the Blacks. Understanding racial resentment is critical in explaining why society has remained polarized, despite the attempts to create a unified society.
Question 2
Former US Senator Paul Wellstone’s model of organizing and leadership is critical because it focuses on getting power to the hands of the people rather than the corporations and special interest groups. He believes grassroots organizing is the best approach to bringing the change the US desperately needs. This entails listening to, lobbying, and advocating for the ordinary people instead of...