Racism. When you hear this word, many negative things will come to your mind. It is a very broad word that can be conceptualised in many ways. For a long time racism has continued to control people’s thoughts negatively, Racism is like a dangerous disease that causes a group of individuals or a community to agree on something contrary to nature and basic morals, racism elicits varying viewpoints.Are genocide and suicide one of the consequences of racism? Does racism destroy society and the state? How can we be anti-racist?
Racism is one of the most dangerous and complex human phenomena ever, and its danger extends to political and social systems which make humanity practice injustice and justify it. People can have several motives for their racism, including ego and the feeling of superiority. Some groups brag about their lineage and wealth which enables them to control other societies and even exploit them. Moreover, in terms of poverty, a fair few people feel that poor people should be erased from existence. Also they believe that they are inefficient and they are a burden on society and the environment. Ignorance among some also contributes to the continuation of racism against a group of people and their lack of understanding of the nature of the universe, and the lack of similarity between races These differences are necessary, as we live in different environments and cultures. Human beings cannot be similar in everything. Therefore, they marginalise people and do not give them any consideration in society.
Furthermore, the media plays an essential role in influencing society’s view of certain races, classes, religions, and physical ability and thus contributes to instilling racist beliefs in people. In short, racism involves some groups trying to exclude others from the world. An example of this is some wars that target ethnic groups. For instance, in 1933, the Nazis driven by anti-Semitism attempted to kill and exterminate the Jews after Germany's defeat in World War I. Suicides are increasing in some countries due to racism. For example, Sky News published in 2021 its intention to open an independent investigation into the bullying of a 10-year-old girl in the US state of Utah. She committed suicide after she had been harassed by her fellow students because she was of African descent and had autism. Racism has negative effects and undoubtedly has an impact on the individual and society.
The individual is the foundation of society, and his morals are reflected in his society. Many harms result from racism, including the generation of hatred and antagonism between the racist person and the one upon whom racist behaviours are practised, hence leading to the introduction of criminal ideas in some people or a defect in their daily lives and psychological illnesses of the person exposed to racism. His feeling of loneliness, as the behaviour of certain people on his part makes the rest think of him as an outcast person, but society is disjointed and full of disturbances, and conflicts are generated between groups that negatively look at each other, creating hatred in children who tend to learn racism from adults, and racism can ignite civil wars between opposing tribes and cultures.
Anti-racism helps societies flourish and be more respected, in these societies individuals should stay away from these transgressions that are outside of humanity and moral nature. If governments become involved, they must enact laws and not condone any discriminatory behaviour and harassment that leads to several issues. Therefore, individuals must accept other cultures, understand their customs and traditions,, as well as defend people who are exposed to bullying because of some people’s backgrounds or race.
Moreover, people should reject intolerance and stereotypes of other people that appear on social media which causes some people to have negative ideas about other cultures.
Besides, when it comes to the role of societies in combating racism, cooperation with community organisations to identify racist acts and present them to the relevant authorities. For example, Germany established a general law on reducing racism, especially in workplaces. Every person in Germany is protected from discrimination on grounds of race or ethnic origin, and victims are supported to obtain their full rights, and also hold seminars and initiatives that reduce racism but also spreading full awareness and understanding of the laws so that they are not exposure to any of these racism behaviours, are all useful strategies. In conclusion, racism is a disease that can worsen if it is not treated in societies, and its causes are many, some of which have negative effects that result in individuals, societies, and organizations, thus disrupting societal order and leading to suicides and genocides in some countries. Individuals and societies must reduce this dangerous phenomenon, as the basis of humanity resides in a good society, free of issues and conflicts.
Edited by Chloe Mansola.
Image- by Province of British Columbia is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED
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