Unequal Distribution of Wealth

The idea of a redistribution of wealth needs to be discussed in order to confront one possible solution to the inequalities in the rural education system. In the article "Inequality in America: The Failure of the American System for People of Color" by Edna Bonacich this idea is examined.

According to the article, "...the whole magnificent edifice of wealth and privilege in this society has been built on the suffering of poor people, large numbers of whom are people of color" (Bonacich 504). This shows that not only do privileged people have more money and power than the underprivileged, but that they exploit the underprivileged to attain that and more. This difference between privileged and underprivileged tends to create not only a barrier between the rich and the poor but also a barrier between people of color and whites. It is said that "people of color tend to cluster at the bottom so that inequality in this society also becomes racial inequality" (Bonacich 504).

It is true that "the bottom 90 percent only own 17 percent of the wealth" so that means that the top 10 own 83 percent of the wealth; this is concrete evidence of an apparent inequality of the distribution of wealth (Bonacich 506). "Black and Latino families made about 70 percent of what White families made" which continues to support this idea of unequal wealth (Bonacich 507). If you recall from previous entries it is seen that the majority of those in poverty in rural area are those of color as well. This state of poverty for these people means worse jobs, worse pay, and overall a decline even further into poverty.

Bonacich says that "the racism of this society is linked to capitalism and that, so long as we retain a capitalist system, we will not be able to eliminate racial oppression" (508). In other words if the rich keep exploiting the poor to gain more money and create more poverty for the underprivileged the issue of racial inequality will also continue to be apparent. Is it possible for our society to discontinue the use of capitalism? Is it possible to end racism and poverty without the disintegration of capitalist ideas and approaches? No, I don't believe it is.

Further ideas surrounding this idea will be discussed in later entries.

Bonacich, Edna. "Inequality in America: The Failure of the American System for People of Color." Oppression, Privilege, & Resistance: Theoretical Perspectives on Racism, Sexism, and Heterosexism. Ed. Heldke, Lisa and Peg O' Connor. McGraw Hill Higher Education. 2004. 502-514.