Drawing on the Vignette of "Negro John" and "Negro Mary

question 18

Essay

Drawing on the vignette of "negro John" and "negro Mary" (no last name) versus the white twins "William Smith" and "Priscilla Smith," explain how racial oppression is economically and systematically constructed over time. Be sure to include in your discussion how the termination of slavery and gains from the civil rights movements did not end the large-scale oppression faced by John's and Mary's descendants.

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Definitions:

Weekly Income

The total amount of money earned or received by an individual or entity within the span of a week.

Doughnuts

A type of fried dough confectionery or dessert food, typically ring-shaped, sweet, and sometimes filled.

Coffee

A beverage made from roasted and ground seeds of the Coffea plant, consumed worldwide for its stimulating effects.

Optimal Consumption Rule

A principle in economics that determines the best combination of goods and services that maximizes the utility of a consumer given their budget constraints.