Race, Affect, and Neoliberal Personhood in Latino Newark

Newark, New Jersey is a city with a long and complex history of racial and economic inequality. The city is home to a large and diverse Latino population, who have faced significant challenges in terms of housing, education, and employment. In recent years, Newark has also been the site of a number of high-profile incidents of police brutality against Latinos.

Street Therapists: Race, Affect, and Neoliberal Personhood in Latino Newark

by Ana Y. Ramos-Zayas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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This article explores the ways in which race, affect, and neoliberalism intersect to shape the experiences of Latino residents in Newark. Drawing on ethnographic research, the article examines how Latino residents navigate the city's racialized landscape, the ways in which their emotions are shaped by their experiences of discrimination and inequality, and the role that neoliberalism plays in shaping their sense of personhood.

The article argues that race, affect, and neoliberalism are mutually constitutive and that they work together to produce a particular form of personhood that is both racialized and neoliberal. This form of personhood is characterized by a sense of vulnerability and disposability, as well as a belief in the importance of self-reliance and individual responsibility. The article concludes by discussing the implications of this form of personhood for Latino residents of Newark and for the future of the city.

Race and the Racialized Landscape of Newark

Newark is a city that is deeply divided by race. The city's Latino population is concentrated in the city's South Ward, which is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. The South Ward is also home to a number of public housing projects, which are often seen as symbols of racial segregation and inequality.

Latino residents of Newark experience racism on a daily basis. They are often stopped by the police for no reason, and they are often treated with disrespect and hostility by city officials. Latino residents also face discrimination in housing and employment, and they are often denied access to basic services.

The racialized landscape of Newark has a profound impact on the lives of Latino residents. It shapes their experiences of the city, their sense of belonging, and their sense of self-worth. Latino residents of Newark often feel like they are second-class citizens, and they often feel like they are not welcome in the city.

Affect and the Emotional Lives of Latino Residents

The experiences of racism and discrimination that Latino residents of Newark face have a significant impact on their emotional lives. Latino residents of Newark often experience feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness. They may also feel like they are constantly on guard, and they may have difficulty trusting others.

These emotions can have a negative impact on Latino residents' health and well-being. Latino residents of Newark are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems than white residents. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and drug use.

The emotional lives of Latino residents of Newark are also shaped by the city's culture of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and self-reliance. Neoliberalism tells us that we are all responsible for our own success or failure, and that we should not rely on the government or other institutions for help.

This ideology can have a negative impact on Latino residents' emotional lives. Latino residents of Newark may feel like they are not worthy of help, and they may blame themselves for their own problems. This can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.

Neoliberalism and the Formation of Racialized Personhood

Race, affect, and neoliberalism are mutually constitutive and they work together to produce a particular form of personhood that is both racialized and neoliberal. This form of personhood is characterized by a sense of vulnerability and disposability, as well as a belief in the importance of self-reliance and individual responsibility.

Latino residents of Newark are often seen as vulnerable and disposable. They are often seen as criminals or as a drain on society. This view of Latino residents is reinforced by the media, by politicians, and by the police. Latino residents of Newark are often treated as if they are not full citizens, and they are often denied access to basic rights and services.

At the same time, Latino residents of Newark are also expected to be self-reliant and responsible for their own success. They are told that they should work hard and that they should not rely on the government or other institutions for help. This message is reinforced by schools, by churches, and by community organizations.

The combination of vulnerability and self-reliance creates a particular form of personhood that is both racialized and neoliberal. This form of personhood is characterized by a sense of shame and inadequacy, as well as a belief in the importance of individual responsibility. Latino residents of Newark often feel like they are not worthy of help, and they often blame themselves for their own problems.

The form of personhood that is produced by the intersection of race, affect, and neoliberalism has a profound impact on the lives of Latino residents of Newark. It shapes their experiences of the city, their sense of belonging, and their sense of self-worth. It also shapes their emotional lives and their ability to access basic rights and services.

The challenges that Latino residents of Newark face are not unique. They are part of a larger pattern of racial inequality and discrimination that exists in the United States today. However, the experiences of Latino residents of Newark offer a unique lens through which to understand the ways in which race, affect, and neoliberalism intersect to shape the lives of marginalized communities.

By understanding the challenges that Latino residents of Newark face, we can better understand the challenges that other marginalized communities face. We can also better understand the ways in which race, affect, and neoliberalism work together to produce a particular form of personhood that is both racialized and neoliberal.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a more just and equitable society for all. By understanding the challenges that marginalized communities face, we can work to create a society in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Street Therapists: Race, Affect, and Neoliberal Personhood in Latino Newark

by Ana Y. Ramos-Zayas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE