Q: People make fun other people because of their skin or culture. Is that what Racism is?

 

Q: People make fun other people because of their skin or culture. Is that what Racism is?

A: Racism is the act of one group labelling another as an inferior people because of their skin colour or ethnic background and culture. It is prejudice and discrimination against people who belong to other races, a belief that people of different races have different qualities and abilities, and that some races are naturally superior or inferior. It is a way of behaving or thinking that shows that you do not like or respect people who belong to races that are different from your own and that you believe your race is better than others

Canada prides itself in the vast diversity of our population and everyone tries to live together happy and peacefully, but sometimes the differences between different races and cultures are met with resistance by some people. Sometimes, instead of celebrating and learning about the differences between us, some people because of learned prejudices and fear or myths of a culture they don’t understand, can do and say very hurtful things.

Racism can have a terrible effect on us. We can become lonely, isolated, sad, angry or depressed, makes us feel degraded and unwanted which can lower our self-confidence and self esteem. Everyone, including those we call minorities, can be racist. Racism hurts everyone, causes division and violence and separates us from our international brothers and sisters. Sometime it seems easier just to avoid situations where you expect to racism to happen. You might stay home from school, or avoid certain places but that won’t stop it, and it will only make you feel worse.

Racism is difficult to overcome but the first and most important thing to do is to simply recognizing that it exists. We tend to become automatic in our daily thoughts and behaviours and sometimes don’t even realize we contribute to racism. Racism is an ugly word, especially when we are accused of it and it can hard to take an honest look at yourself and admit that you are prejudiced. Those who are racist many times feel they are not, simply because they never feel the effects of it. They are in the dominant group who don’t experiences prejudice or discrimination base on their race, color, sex, religion, ethnicity etc.

A good way of starting to break down prejudices is to learn more about other cultures and traditions. Many racist opinions and stereotypes come from ignorance and fear of the unknown. Once someone becomes familiar and you learn more about their race and culture, the differences and labels we applied to them seem to disappear. We start to accept and love people for who they are and the diversity they offer in enriching our own lives.

"[People] hate each other because they fear each other, and they fear each other because they don't know each other, and they don't know each other because they are often separated from each other."

Dr. Martin Luther King

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite.
Nelson Mandela

What are some of the terms associated with racism and prejudice?

Prejudice is a negative belief, opinion or attitude held by one person or group about another person or group which is based on inadequate and incorrect knowledge, irrational fears and feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes.

Discrimination is the action or physical behaviour of denying equal treatment that results from prejudiced thoughts and attitudes.

Oppression is the act of suppressing, mistreating, dominating and controlling a group using physical, psychological, social or economic threats or force, by the dominant social group.

Marginalization is the process of being left out, or prevented from having attention or power and pushed to the side as a social group. 

A Minority is a group of people within a society that is different and smaller in population or power then the dominant or larger population or group of that area. In Canada, that typically refers people who are not of the dominant white group. 

Social Justice is the action and the belief that every individual and group within our society is to be given equal opportunity and treated fairly in our country and communities.  

What can I do about racism?

-          Talk about it - Not talking about it won’t make it go away – it just get locked up inside us and forgotten about unexamined and left on automatic

-          Racism is not natural – it is learned so we must examine ourselves and help others do the same to find out its roots

-          Remember that racism is wrong and should not be tolerated. You have every right to be treated with kindness fairness and with respect like everyone else.

-          Racism is common so don’t think you are alone. When racism occurs, tell someone like a friend, a teacher or other person you trust and let others know that you need help and support.

-          Talk to your parents and be open about your feelings and encourage them to do the same

-          Be sure that you stay safe. Walk and hang out with others you know and trust

-          Don’t be discouraged! Look for others who are willing to help stop racism.

-          Look for accurate knowledge about your racial and cultural identity and have pride in it

-          Look for accurate knowledge and appreciation of other racial groups and cultures and have pride in them.

-          Try to understand how racism works and what you can do to challenge it.

Tolerance is an attitude of openness and respect for the differences among people. It means valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds. But does tolerance mean that all behaviours are acceptable. It means that we should not disrespect or hurt others, but should accept people for who they are. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated regardless of the difference we may see, hear or observe in their behaviour.

Similarly when we celebrate the differences of others that doesn't mean we should abandon our own heritage. You should be proud of yourself, your family and all of your cultural and religious traditions.

It is important to learn about, to live among, work and become friends with people whose race, religion, or culture may be different from their own. By doing so we become better people learning new cultures and traditions that enhance our own

We need to speak openly about similarities and differences between people, so that we are not surrounded by fear and false superstitious myths of the old days. By recognizing and talking about discrimination, we will help to end it. By encouraging each other to reach across racial, ethnic, cultural or religious lines, we will lead richer, fuller lives and to recognize the humanity and singularity of the human race and all people.