Because of the past events that took place in Minneapolis the word racism has been declined in all possible ways. Mass protests, acts of vandalism, mutual hostility and lack of good will have caused riots on a large scale. Probably, knowing some historical background of the United States, you thought that the problem of racial segregation is a phase we should have been long over. However, is is really true?
Aside from the American issue and the next pointless death, let’s think about the real grounds of racism and while doing that we should try to decide whether we are essentially not racists ourselves, despite the fact that officially we often declare something completely else.
We should also bear in mind the fact that racism has a number of forms and these are not only loudly said words, visible acts, but also the way we really treat others and the way we really think about the people who differ from us. Do you still think you aren’t a racist?
Why do we try so hard to emphasize the contrast among people of different complexion, even if they were born in the same country and contribute to the society? Not to mention the fact that it frequently happens that they are more successful and they regularly support the local community.
There are a few main reasons why we try to treat people of different skin color in a way that in consequence has led to this current situation.
- The willingness to strengthen one’s own ego – if we are unable to do it in a different way, we look for a seemingly ‘weaker’ individual, the one who we could take our frustration out on. I’ve emphasized the notion of a seemingly ‘weaker’ individual who we are looking for, but it’s often purely and simply just our subjective and distorted image of a given person.
- Someone needs to be ‘the better one’ – exactly, the easiest way to feel a little bit better is to take our negative emotions out on somebody else, and in this manner to gain the sense of illusory primacy, which leads to animosity, aversion to finally finish on hatred – in this case the racial one.
- Intolerance of being different – lack of tolerance is a truly broad topic, as it refers not noly to the issue of racism, but also cultural differences as such. It’s really easy to judge the things which don’t fit our approval scale, assuming that our own values are the ones which should be obeyed by the society at large.
- Upbringing – we should always remember that racism isn’t an inborn feature of a given person. Children will play happily together for hours, no matter of the skin color they have. Later, they come to know that they are either better or worse depending on their complexion or their hair color.
- External influences – even if somewhere deep inside you feel that color doesn’t really matter to you, groups you decide to join make you accept their rules (even if you don’t really agree with them), otherwise you will be the one who is rejected.
- Weakness of character and being susceptible to outside influences – one cannot disagree with the fact that there are many different types of characters and personalities, and there are people who are resistant to influences just like a rock, and there are people who change their mind depending on the wind direction. These are individuals who are susceptible to outside influences and fashion, the ones who certainly want to win something for themselves. The group influence is just a trigger to highlight their degenerated personalities.
Of course, I could successfully continue enumerating various reasons, which lead to racism, but it’s not the main aim of this text. Ask yourself whether your behavior doesn’t harm other people, remembering that a small stone can cause a snowball effect and in turn lead to a terrible tragedy. Let’s try to do the right thing and respect everyone, even though it may be quite a hard task at the beginning. I don’t always do well, although I try to do my best to make the surrounding me world a better place. Am I a racist? No, I’m not. Do I always treat other people well? No, I don’t.
No one is perfect, regardless of the skin color or ethnic origin. Everyone has their merits and defects. That’s why, we should try to see the goodness in others, but we should also work on eliminating our weaknesses. Let’s unite with the disadvantaged, as we never know, one day we may change places with them… And you? Are you a racist?
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
Photos by Eloise Ambursley, Clay Banks, Maria Oswalt on Unsplash
See the goodness in others - this is exactly what I do on a daily basis. I cheer everyone who deserves cheering on, on the daily. I just truly love people. Everyone is so unique and bring amazing things to the table. I will 100% make sure my son is raised right.
I am not a racist, but I sadly know many who are. It's disgusting. I think everyone just needs to be kind!
People need to look beyond color and nationality. Being racist is not just a white man problem.
It is so sad that it has come to this. This should have been long gone hundreds of years ago. I do not understand why people just can't be kind.
It is shameful that in this century people are still making differences and judge others solely on their skin color. That is so wrong! We should educate ourselves, read books written by black authors, watch movies created by black directors and help them amplify their voices.
Racism is a part of our lives, back in my country, forget just colour, people are discriminated in regards to their caste, creed, state and anything and everything possible. and I feel its in mentality, it's very difficult to change that in people.
I pray that we all learn to listen to those that are different from us, that is the starting point.
Being racist is really dumb. I hope we can all understand that and stop this madness. Great post!
Racism has always been a part of our society and everything..it is becoming more common nowadays..and the news are very frightening..everyone should be kind for everyone...people have just forgotten the true meaning of humanity..This was an amazing blog..Great work..indeed
I absolutely hate "Someone needs to be ‘the better one’. We don't need to be better than anyone else. Sorry, this has on my mind since last year as people try to one-up each other. It is so annoying. We are all equal, no need to be the best one.
The physical appearance does not matter. Listening to a person is the most important thing in this world.
I don't think that I am racist because I do enjoy learning about different cultures and their practices. However, I can still be judgmental and that's the root cause of the problem. When we start thinking less of others and more of ourselves. So, yes, you are so right about the ego issue.
I'm not racist but sadly I know that many people are. It upsets me so much. At the end of the day we're all the same, no matter what we look like! Louise x
I feel most people and they hide their thoughts because they are scared of voicing out their opinions. On one side we believe that God made us all and on other we differentiate. It is disgusting but I just cant argue