Racism can be defined as hatred or belief of superiority toward another person due to factors like skin color, language, customs or place of birth. It has influenced wars, slavery, and legal systems throughout history. The document identifies several causes of racism, including stereotypes promoted through media, unfamiliarity with other races, selfishness, and environmental factors that can impact biology and mental health. Overcoming racism requires enhancing health, celebrating diversity, and promoting understanding between all people.
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Racism
1. RACISM
Prepared by :
Puvananayake Kandasamy
PREPARED BY : Pannerselvam
Laavanya
PUVANANAYAKE KANDASAMY
LAAVANYA PANEERSELVAM
2. It may be defined as the hatred of one
person by another - or the belief that
another person is less than human -
because of skin color, language,
customs, place of birth or any factor that
supposedly reveals the basic nature of
that person.
It has influenced wars, slavery, the
formation of nations, and legal codes.
3. Stereotypes
Through television, radio, the internet, music, books,
and the like, the potential for stereo types to build
are a definite possibility. When a person, especially
one that is very young, is exposed to stereotypes of
a specific group for the first time, then that person
will assume all are that way. Likewise, when a
source is constantly displaying negative things about
a particular race, then that will affect the overall
opinions as well.
4. Unfamiliarity
People fear what they do not know or understand. If
someone hasn't grown up around a particular race
before, then there is more of a chance the person can be
racist toward that particular group. Not all the time, but
when the person has already been fed negative
stereotypes, and does not have the actual real life
experiences with at least one within the particular
group, then the chances of racism are increased. This is
why it is important for children to be around other races
at a young age: to ensure they get their minds used and
adapted to being around them, and also to help
counterbalance any false stereotypes they may
encounter in the future.
5. Selfishness
Selfishness is another obvious cause of racism.
Humans are sometimes very selfish creatures caring
only about their own at the expense of others. If
individuals aren't taught how to respect others, then
the potential for the person to become racist is
increased as well. This is why you will find that most
caring individuals aren't racist. Neither are they
sexist or anything else.
6. Environmental Factors
The lastly and probably the most surprising cause of racism is
environmental causes. We are all made different biologically
and genetically. Our physical environment can affect our
biology and therefore, in many cases, affect our minds. This
does not mean freewill and choice are not options, but that an
individual's potential for racism could possibly be increased
through certain environmental factors unknown to man. By
default, racism is nonexistent. However, things such as
improper health maintenance, excess chemicals, head
injuries, or other factors may help contribute to it. This should
not be used as an excuse that racism has to persist, but more
of a better chance to cure racism by enhancing biological
health and medical technology, rather than thinking it can only
be done by other means.