Lessons Between the Lines
A quote from Priya Parker, “Culture is not static. It evolves as we do.” This is shown on a letter board in front of a dandelion-knit blanket.
Welcome, kind hearts and brave souls, to another chapter in the Past, Present, & Future series. Today’s post leans into a more serious tone. One that may feel familiar if you joined me last week. This time, we are diving into the world of sociology. I will be exploring five important theories, taking a closer look at three in particular that I believe can play a powerful role in addressing and overcoming racism in our society.
Editor’s note:
This post was originally written in 2014 as my final paper for a college sociology course titled Racial and Ethnic Relations. In case you are unfamiliar, the course focused on the past and present racial and ethnic diversity of American society, its implications, and consequences for both individual groups and the country as a whole.
As someone who was, and still is, deeply interested in all aspects of culture, whether on a global scale or within the U.S., I chose this class to better understand a topic I did not have much personal experience with at the time. However, that part of my journey from why I chose this class, what I learned, and what it has taken me is a story for another week. For now, we focus on the theories and their potential resolutions.
So, if you are ready to take a journey back in time with me. One that blends personal growth, academic insight, and real-world reflection, and perhaps learn something new (or see an old idea with fresh eyes), let us get started.
“Of the possible five theories, which are: cognitive, vicarious experience, legal, consensus, and conflict approach, I have picked three. My three theories that I believe would best help to overcome racism in society are: conflict, consensus, and legal approach. I would’ve added intergroup contact in schools if that counted as an approach.”
Back when I wrote this paper, I was mainly focused on selecting key theories that felt most relevant to addressing racism, though I had not yet fully explored how these theories play out in real life. Today, I see just how complex and intertwined these approaches are, especially in different social systems and personal experiences. Looking ahead, I hope to continue learning how these frameworks can inspire practical actions and policies that truly foster equity and understanding.
With that foundation in mind, let us dive into the first theory I focused on which is the conflict approach. It is also known as the organized social protest. This highlights how collective action can shine a spotlight on important issues and push for change. As I wrote in this paper, protests can rally communities and raise awareness, though the way they are carried out, whether peaceful or violent, can deeply affect public perception and impact. Let me share my thought on this one, especially in light of events like Ferguson…
“Anyway, to start with and what I believe most important is conflict approach a.k.a. organized social protest. Nothing gets anyone rallied up like a protest. Like is states in the book, “Majority might be unwilling to adopt unless there’s organized protest, which I can agree. Since how many people would have heard about Ferguson if there weren’t other cities protesting peacefully. But if they hadn’t, I’m sure way less people would have known anything at all was going on. At the same time, I agree to what it says about violent and nonviolent protests in the book. For instance, “Many who accept nonviolent conflict as a necessary part of social change are totally opposed to violence. In fact, they find it counterproductive.” I am one of those people. I think the violence in Ferguson kind of proves that. With all the fires, I’ve heard more people agree that it wasn’t the best response. In addition, other people of all races, I have seen to agree in the comment sections of new articles day that it only seems to do more harm than good. Which I believe is true. Because the more the violence, the more the backlash, the more people will try to ignore it rather than listen. Though in any way, shape, or form organized efforts are the best way to get awareness and education out about a certain situation or cause no matter the reaction.”
When I first studies the impact of organized social protest, I understood how peaceful demonstrations can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting change. Seeing the “No Kings” protests in Chicago and surrounding areas brought this to life in a meaningful way. Peaceful protesters exercised their rights with intention and purpose, while some police officers demonstrated professionalism by walking alongside them. Not to intimidate, but to ensure everyone’s safety and protect the rights of both participants and bystanders. That kind of mutual respect is something I believe we need more of.
Looking back, I have observed how different approaches to protest can lead to varied public reactions. Sometimes they are constructive, sometimes they are divisive. This made me appreciate the complexity of social change and the importance of dialogue.
Moving forward, I hope communities and leaders from all perspectives can find ways to come together, listening to each others concerns and standing up for justice in ways that build understanding rather than deepen divides.
While protest can spark awareness and drive urgent conversations, lasting change also requires actions within the systems that shape our daily lives. One of the most direct ways people can make their voices heard in through voting. That is where the next theory, the consensus approach, comes into play.
“The next important theory that I would believe would help end racism is consensus approach nicknamed electoral politics. Because this is people’s chance to make a stand for people THEY believe should run the country, county, or school districts. I don’t understand how some people choose not to vote, especially when they will be the ones complaining the next year. Those who don’t vote shouldn’t be able to complain unless under certain circumstances. The special circumstances I’m talking about are how this year for our most recent election, I heard many people had to wait until 3am to vote. Like no, that’s a problem. That’s something we should be protesting. Voting should be fair and equal. Which means the whole state should start and end at the same time. As well as, everyone should have equal opportunity to vote. No matter a person’s skin tone, where they live, how much money they have, or whether they can speak English or not. I’m pretty sure that’s one of the main reasons foreign born’s (as the book calls them) don’t vote even when they do eventually become citizens. There should be someone to help translate if need be or something. At the same time, they make voting too difficult. The guy that was in front of me was told to go to several different places because his new residence didn’t match his old residence. So he would almost have to complete the Olympics before he would be able to vote. That’s fair.
Upon rereading this part of my paper, I realize how critical I was of those who seemed disengaged or did not vote. Back then, I was passionate about civic participation and felt frustrated by what I perceived as apathy. But today, I recognize how complex that reality can be. Not everyone has the privilege or ability to vote, whether due to immigration status, lacking proper documentation, or systemic barriers that make the process feel inaccessible or unfair.
I have also personally experienced how discouraging the system can be. One year, I voted for an independent candidate only to later feel like my vote had been “wasted” because it did not go toward one of the two dominant parties. That gave me a new perspective of how not everyone alights strictly with one political party. Some of us vote based on personal values, lived experiences, or causes that matter deeply at that point in our lives.
Looking ahead, I hope we continue working toward a system that encourages informed participation and creates room for all voices not just the loudest or most powerful, but also the ones that have long been left unheard.
And finally, the third approach I chose to highlight is the legal approach. While it was not my top pick at the time, I still saw its impact. The legal system has long been a driving force in shaping policy, desegregating schools, and protecting civil rights. Though laws cannot always change hearts, they can open doors and set new standards for equity. Here is how I explained it then:
“Last but not least, is the legal approach. Although I was against it, I am more for it than the other ones. It played a role by desegregating schools, which has been promising. Because of the desegregation of schools, I was able to grow up in a diverse area and go to a diverse school. Not as many people as you think, are lucky to do so. I find it very beneficial growing up in a multicultural neighborhood. Because you learn the ins and outs of different people. You are more engaged to things that happen not only to yourself, but chances are your friends as well. The reason why I didn’t put it first it because although it can very helpful for those who are okay with diversity, it won’t really change the minds of those who don’t want diversity. Both reactions would be normal. But the greatest thing that can happen is cross-race friendship. “Cross-race friendship pairs found that children who are more likely to stay in contact with other ethnicity groups have similar attitudes, values, and statuses.” On the other hand, it can’t be enforced. Otherwise, there can be a negative impact to self-esteem. Which is why, it’s better to start them young by having them attend a diverse/multicultural school. All in all, those are my three main approaches to help stop racism in America along with teaching, but also showing equality is possible and it is a right that should be shared by all.”
Looking back, I want to clarify something that I did not explain well in my original writing. I mentioned growing up in a multicultural environment, but more specifically, the area I lived in had a strong Latino influence, largely due to its historical roots. Many Mexican families had settled in the area generations prior, often tracing back to opportunities like working on the railroads in exchange for citizenship. That history shaped the culture around me in meaningful ways.
While my school may not have been broadly multicultural in the traditional sense, being surrounded by a dominant culture different from my own gave me a broader worldview. I feel fortunate to have had exposure to different traditions, languages, and perspectives as it helped me grow beyond my own experiences.
That said, I now understand that socioeconomic status is one of the biggest drivers of educational opportunity. The wealthier the neighborhood, the better resourced the schools often are, and the more access students have to higher-level learning and enrichment. For example, though I did not mention Ivy League schools in my original paper, I now see them as a good example of prestigious programs with strong legacies. Programs that, when accessible to students from underrepresented or historically overlooked backgrounds, symbolize what is possible when opportunity and support align.
That is why today, if I could revise my original paper, I would replace the legal approach with the vicarious experience theory. While laws and policies are necessary, it is the personal stories, whether lived or witnessed that stay with us and shape how we see the world. Learning through the experiences of those around me, especially people I care about, has expanded my awareness far more than any rulebook could. Vicarious experiences fosters empathy, connection, and a deeper understanding of others realities. And that, in many ways, is where real change begins.
Reflecting back, I am not entirely sure why I chose the legal approach at the time. Maybe I did not fully understand the other two concepts as it can take me a while to really grasp a concept, especially when it is layered or abstract. It is something I am still working on today by giving myself the time and space to fully process new ideas before drawing conclusions.
As I continue learning and unlearning, my hope is that more of us give ourselves, and others, the grace to grow at our own pace. Sometimes understanding comes slowly, shaped by experience, empathy, and time. But every step forward, even the uncertain ones, moves us closer to a more informed, compassionate, and connected world.
This reflection marks another chapter in the Past, Present, & Future series. One that challenged me to revisit old beliefs, confront the limits of my past knowledge, and recognize how much growth has taken place since then. What I once wrote as a final paper in a sociology class has now become a window into my evolving understanding of race, equity, and the power of education, dialogue, and change.
May we never stop learning. May we keep listening to ourselves, to others, and to the world as it continues to change. And may we continue bridging the distance between who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become.
If this reflection moved something in you whether it be a thought, a memory, a question, I invite you to sit with it. Journal it. Talk about it. Share this post with someone who has been walking their own path of learning and unlearning. Growth does not always come easy, but it becomes lighter when we do it together. Let us keep the conversation going with honesty, curiosity, and heart.
Join me next Monday, June 30th, 2025, for the next chapter in the Past, Present, & Future series. We will continue exploring the impact of sociology not just through academic lenses, but through lived experiences, and begin to look at how different cultural identities share our shared future.
Until then, stay curious. Stay kind. And thank you for being here.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
