Odin - 3/6/2014 01:57
Seeing someone of a different ethnic background and even noticing that they are different to you is racism of sorts.
It comes naturally to all of us.. there's a big difference to be a complete biggot or just having a few prejudices though. Anyone who says they don't have a few are complete liars.
No it's not. People ARE different. Afro Caribbeans have a different look to Eskimo's, who look different to Malaysian's, who look different to Peruvian's.
Are you saying everyone is racist because they can observe differences between face shape, features, hair colour and physique?
Racism is about discrimination toward an individual BECAUSE of their race, not because you have observed their ethnicity.
As for the topic itself, when growing up we use our minds to observe and record data, including what we come to know as the norm. This is a natural evolutionary skill that gives us the ability to survive. Living in the wild you would need to know your environment. Which plants are safe, which are harmful, which animals are a food source and which are a threat. The same applies to tribal threats from other villagers, to ensure the safety of the family/community, and hence preseve the natural line of procreation.
It's natural to observe differences, and be wary of any potential threat, but we have evolved enough now to be aware that a threat is not necessarily posed because somebody is of a different ethnicity.
There still remains that instinct, though I get saddened when I hear people generalise all of one type of race. Sure, there are people in EVERY race you care to mention who are bad, but to tar everyone with the same brush because of your fears is ridiculous.
People are entitled to their opinions and thoughts. God forbid we ever suppress free speech (entirely), but an inherently racist outlook is not healthy. Not for the person, nor for society.
I don't believe the creation of laws is the answer. You can't make everyone think a certain way, but education and inclusion should be the way to challenge peoples perceptions.
I also don't believe in a multi cultural society stripped of identity. It's normal that people have identites and can celebrate them. It's the most healthy thing that communities have their own culture, foods, clothes, looks, songs, dances,drinks, places to eat and drink, festivals, language, slang, beliefs etc.
We shouldn't be looking to break these up and create one giant, bland housing estate of a country devoid of personality.
When I go abroad I love to experience other peoples cultures. I love to see their local flags, their history, buildings, where they eat and congregate, what they wear, how they interact, what their personality is like, their outlook on life.
I don't think we should lose that, but because the world is so accessible now, and we have moved and settled in large communities elsewhere faster than our ego can evolutionarily accept, it causes problems.
We should be able to appreciate West Indian culture here, for example. Their colour and vibrancy, music and food. Same with Oriental and also ANY culture that brings something.
How many racist people are happy tucking into a Chinese takeaway or love 'An Indian'?
Maybe it's an idealised view, but we don't help ourselves as people, and I'm talking about people of all ethnicities here. Racism exists across all boundries. Maybe if we made an effort as a society we could experience some of the joys life has to bring instead of clinging to fears due to differences?
