Racism: A Division Influence

The idea that race is the key factor that determines the abilities and behaviors of humans and that one race is superior or inferior to the other is known as racism. The notion that “our” race is better and “our” way of doing things is the best is indeed a long held thinking in human history. Many even go to an extreme, developing a view that science called ethnocentrism: a belief that they are the only normal people with the only correct way of doing things. Ashley wrote that “the conception that there are natural or biological races of mankind which differ from one another mentally as well as physically is an idea which was not developed until the latter part of the eighteenth century” (qtd. in Awake, 1993, p. 5). In view of its wide scope, the essay will be narrowed down to a discussion of some of the harmful effects of racism.

Prejudices, according to sociologist Frederick Samuels (1984), “become a basic part of an individual’s personality structure . . . They involve his self-esteem, his self-image . . . It would be as difficult to surrender certain attitudes and group images as it would be to surrender an arm or a leg” (qtd. in Awake, p. 7). Because of unhealthy self-esteem and racial pride, one of the harmful effects of racism is racial disunity and prejudice. In The United Nations “Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination” between August 1 and 13, 1983, attempt was made to stamp out racism. However, the high-sounding theories that came up from the conference do not work in practice.

Racism is also responsible to cruelty and “man inhumanity to man” that dominates human governance. Let us consider for example the popularly known African slave trade. In the article, The Scourge of Racism, Awake (1990, p.6) writes “When the European nations began to build colonial empires, it was economically profitable for them to exploit the indigenous peoples. But here was a paradox. Millions of Africans were being dragged from their homes, torn from their loved ones, chained, whipped, branded, sold like animals, and forced to work without pay until the day they died. The solution they chose was to dehumanize their victims”. What else can we attribute segregation in schools, churches, and other public institutions as well as discrimination in employment and housing leading to civil unrest, protests, and violence to? “Racial discrimination in business leads to problems with worker relationships and costly lawsuits. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are responsible for preventing bias or prejudice to any individual of any race, color or ethnic group” (Bland).

Another ugly outcome of racism is mass killing and genocide. Take for example the experience of Germany during Adolf Hitler regime. “In his book Mein Kampf (My Struggle), Adolf Hitler asserted that the German race was the Aryan superrace that was destined to rule the world. Hitler felt that the Jews, who he said were responsible for sabotaging the German economy, were an obstacle to this glorious destiny. Thus followed were the extermination of Jews and other minorities of Europe, which was indisputably one of the darkest chapters of human history” (qtd. in Awake, 1993, p.7).

Yes, racism is a divisive force. Its concept is unfounded and should be shunned for a better society, living and interrelationship between races. Every human should be assigned the respect, right and dignity that he or she deserved. Ethnocentrism, an idea that has brought disastrous outcome to millions should be rejected in its entirety.