Core Response #2- Georgina Gonsalves- Ethnicity + Race

 In Esposito's "What does Race have to do with Ugly Betty?", Esposito went deep into analysis about the idea of race versus 'color-blindness' and how being blind to race is more detrimental to society than to simply address that race does in fact matter. 

As some believe that race shouldn't matter at all, it really does matter in terms of one's foundation, opportunities, adversities, and how one is seen and treated in the world. A key argument made by Applebaum (2005) in Esposito's analysis was that meritocracy "places blame on the marginalized for any failure to achieve." This brings attention to the harm this causes to the marginalized groups. In truth, race affects so many significant areas of basic living that to say it does not matter even further oppresses those who are marginalized by making it seem as if it is their own fault for being in the position that they are. The idea that "anyone can succeed if you work hard enough" is not true for everyone. For example, a white, upper-class male and Latina lower-class woman would not have the same opportunities, experiences, and initial foundation in life, not to mention any racism or sexism the female may have to endure that the white male will never encounter because of his privilege. The idea of meritocracy is harmful because though the Latina female would have to work harder, solely because of her sex and ethnicity she is born with, she will likely face many more obstacles and then be responsible for her own success or failure. In simpler terms, one hand is dealt privilege, while the other is dealt systemic and institutionalized oppression, the ability to succeed or not to succeed is their own fault, regardless of the uneven playing field. It is simply unfair, which is why race matters. As quoted by Omi & Winant in the analysis, "race is a matter of social structure and cultural representation". By relying on 'color-blindness', we would be supporting the discourse of meritocracy and further oppressing the marginalized.

In the episode of Ugly Betty that Esposito analyzes, this is exactly what happens to Betty as she is told she only got a position due to Affirmative Action. I found this very offensive and upsetting that Betty had to face such harassment from Marc, but I found it even more infuriating that he victimized himself with his white-privilege as if it were an act of reverse-racism, then continued to compare his struggle as a gay man (in the fashion industry they are very much accepted), with her struggle of being a Latina woman from Queens who is trying to prove herself in an industry that already treats her inferiorly on a regular basis. This is frustrating because this is unfortunately something that is ever present in our society, struggles I myself have faced as a Latina woman from Stockton. 

I also really irked me that Daniel Meade was made to be the "White Savior" in this situation. What Esposito calls "The GreatWhite Hope", Daniel is the white man who is once again made to gain praise and superiority to simply exercise his white male privilege. 

In conclusion, Betty is a perfect example of meritocracy at work. Because she is handed a position over a white male, it is assumed it is only because of affirmative action, victimizing the already privileged white man, and further oppressing an already marginalized Latina woman, then 'saved' by a white man, falsely labeling him as a hero in society.