Race and racism is a topic that everybody is aware of. The existence of race and racism is quite unfortunate. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a black man was killed in police custody. The policeman who arrested Floyd choked him to death by kneeling on his neck for nine minutes. This incident became an example of racism against black people in America. There were various protests against the racism the police officers show with black suspects. But a question arises what is the origin of race and racism and what is the philosophy behind it? Let us find out the answers to these questions.
What are Race and Racism?
Source: Image by UnratedStudio from Pixabay
There are different meanings of race. In the U.S race is defined as people with the same physical traits. Examples are skin color, hair texture, eye formation, and facial features. Therefore, people are identified as “ Asian race”, “ African race”, or “European race”. The race is also defined by linguistic groups like the Arabs or the Latin. Also, it can be defined with religion like the Jewish people. Ethnicity, politics, or nationality is also a defining factor for race. Like the Spanish, the French, or the Indians. Race behaves as a social barrier in the countries.
Racism is the discrimination between these races. It is a belief that some races are better or superior to others. Racism is a prevailing factor in every country all around the world. Asians and Africans face racism every day at their workplace or in general in American and European countries. Racism is present in every aspect of our lives. Be it health care, education, civil rights, wealth, or income.
History
The term “race” came into existence in the late 16th century. It was first used in the English language. Race was defined as a type, sort, or kind till the 18th century. The 18th century was the time when the race was used to discriminate against people. The European countries conquered countries like Africa and brought the people as slaves to their country. The Europeans believed themselves to be superior to any other people present on the earth. Therefore they are free people and all others are their slaves. Many countrymen like the Africans and Indians were slaves in their own country. Hence, racism was born and rooted itself in the world. And is still present and prevailing.
The 20the century is an era when racism was on top of every corner of the world. The British and French colonies in the world were treating the people as they were non-living beings who do not get affected by what is happening to them. World War II was evidence of humanity being lost in humans. How ruling over another person was the ultimate goal. Countless numbers of Jews were taken to concentration camps by the Nazis. Millions of them were thrown into the gas chambers and were murdered. The German armies did not spare anyone. Men, women, and children were taken and killed. Moreover, the newborns were also not spared this brutality. This genocide is named the Holocaust in history. German dictator Hitler believed that the Aryan race is the most superior race on the earth. Resulting in this genocide.
Philosophy
The basic concept of race and racism is to believe that one person or one community is superior to the other. Therefore the other person or community should be under them. People believe that being superior gives them the right to rule over other people. Being “inferior”, they do not have any rights or freedom to live their lives. Though there have been many protests and movements in the past against racism. There is still a long way to go yet there have been betterment from the initial days. And we have to work constantly towards that betterment.
It is high time to put humanity above all. Racism is something that people who believe or follow can go to any extent to prove themselves right. Furthermore, there is certain people preaching racism or big theorists. But it is just a construct of the brain. Resulting, the humanity is long forgotten with this. Hence, people cross all the lines to humiliate and harm the other person physically and mentally. This causes many unfortunate events like suicides or murders. Therefore, it is time to start treating everybody with equality. When we will put aside all this racial discrimination, a better world will be created for future generations. Also, it will a peaceful and happy place to live
To read more such articles, click here.
