Racism

RAC ISM

RACISM noun [mass noun] the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races Or Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.

RACE noun Each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics Or A group of people sharing the same culture, history, language, etc.; an ethnic group.

(All these definitions are from the Oxford English Dictionary)

RAC ISM

Often a taboo subject, the mere word, “racism”, can make people squirm in their seats, however; it shouldn’t, it is a part of history and present day. Although the foundation of racism hasn’t changed, the realisation occurred to me that perspectives and what we view as racism has.

Harvard University created a project called “Project Implicit” which is a test to see if you have a racial bias. Using pictures of African Americans and White Europeans, participants must differentiate between them and then between positive and negatives words. After doing this you will have one from each group on the right and left-hand side. When the words and pictures come up in the middle you have to click on the appropriate side. Following this it will tell you if you have a slight, moderate or strong racial preference. When I found out about the test, I immediately researched the questions that people have about this project and they are mainly about what happens if I make too many errors? Or what happens if I take the test more than once? I was filled with reassurance when people with a slight racial bias didn’t think this was accurate, as many psychologists are of the belief that if you grew up in a safe environment you will choose the pictures and words you are familiar with. This idea is also shown through the number of men that marry someone similar to their mother –selecting the type of woman they are familiar with.

Many years ago this preference wasn’t considered racist and society’s thoughts on how we must treat other people and why we shouldn’t be racist have changed. Racism has been in society since the Persians fought the Ancient Greeks, I assume that the parents told their children how bad the others were. This has carried on throughout history, however; we have become more aware about what we should and shouldn’t say leading to many people biting their tongue in public and saying things that may be frowned upon only in front of trusted friends. Denying anybody the right of freedom of speech could take society down a slippery slope - what will happen if we slide down? This piece began with the definitions of racism and race. These may be definitions, but the peculiar thing about racism is that it is how you think of it. Although we have divisions in the world we are all still human and as we grow into a more accepting society there will be change to talk about as certain as there is death.

Sheetal S (Year 10)