Racism is a crucial issue that has been long overdue, it is a time for a change. We must be able to deconstruct our biases and preconceived notions and take time to educate ourselves to stand up for racial justice. Society may have divided us based on our skin colour but at the end of the day, we all bleed the same colour and have the same hearts.
No one is born ugly; we simply live in a society that judges. Discrimination has many layers, making it difficult for minorities to advance. Your worth as a human being is not determined by your skin colour. No human race is superior to another; we all have the same heart, intellect, blood, and feelings; the only thing that distinguishes us are the social borders.No one is born racist; racism is a product of civilization.
Judging a person based on their skin colour does not define who they are; it determines who you are. No one in the world has the right to feel inferior to anyone else just because of the way they look or were born. It is our unwillingness to recognise, respect, and enjoy the differences that divide us.
The world will be a better place when society begins to accept people for who they are rather than what they look like. Everyone has a distinct idea of what it means to be “beautiful”. No one can be labelled as attractive or unattractive based on their appearance because, at the end of the day, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
We have been given the power to have an opinion, to believe and support what we want as human beings; but we should utilize this power for the greater good and support everyone, regardless of their skin colour, rather than using it to denigrate someone simply because of the way they look. Every individual is beautiful in their unique manner, and we, as a society, must accept them for who they are. The day we accept this is when we will be able to truly progress and develop as a society.
Racism is the concept that a person’s worth and talents are determined by their race. As a result, a racial hierarchy emerges, with the assumption that certain races are superior to others. Racist views have been used to justify colonization, the slave trade across the Atlantic, and the Holocaust. Racist attitudes become systemic racism when they are matched with power. Some races are discriminated against by-laws, both written and unwritten, while others are protected and advanced. How can racism be eradicated? On a personal and societal level, it must be addressed. Here are a few ways in which we can put an end to racial discrimination:
Recognize racism in all of its forms
The most crucial step to eradicate racism is to acknowledge its existence. Racism persists in today’s generation, and we must embrace that harsh reality. Racism can appear in a multitude of forms.
Many people preach against racism and claim to despise it; but, if they do not grasp how racism operates in society, they are saying nothing more than blatant words. Racism may be found in practically any aspect of society. Because of this, children with darker skin tones are continuously ridiculed in schools.
People with a lighter skin tone are given preference in work settings and employment opportunities. In many countries where the majority of the population is white, people of colour are always looked down upon. This form of racism occurs practically every day in society and is often overlooked. We must acknowledge and act to eliminate this sort of racism.
Commit to anti-racism
We need to sternly stick to the fact that racism in any form is not acceptable. While we just said that systemic racism wouldn’t go away if everyone stopped being racist right now, that initial step in personal anti-racism is vital for people to fight for the elimination of racist institutions.
Anti-racism is a lifetime endeavour. It’s not a task you can cross off a list; it’s a process of constant self-reflection and willingness to be held accountable.
To be anti-racist, you must recognize and accept differences rather than pretending they don’t exist. When discussing the gender pay gap, for example, it’s critical to recognize that white women earn more than Black, Hispanic, and Native women. Anti-racists must also identify the goals that they have in common with other racial groups. This contributes to the development of unity.
Start to truly listen
In our eagerness to eradicate racism, we must not lose sight of the fact that it affects a large number of individuals. People who have been victims of racism should be treated with respect, and their concerns and hardships should be heard. Our world may be saved from racism if we could master the skill of listening.
We must pay close attention to each other to properly comprehend each other. Listening to other people’s truths is one of the most concrete methods to overcome racism. You can acquire a clear picture of what it means to be a victim of racism by listening to individuals who are in need.
When you open your ears, you can begin to cultivate a sense of empathy and a deeper knowledge of what your “brothers and sisters” around the world are going through. This increased level of awareness has the potential to affect our behaviour as well as the conduct of people we come into contact with.
You hold family and friends accountable
This one is easy to understand. You can encourage your family and friends to learn more about racism and how it affects the people in their lives. If they do or say something incorrectly, you can correct them. If one of their family members or friends said something inappropriate, most individuals would remain silent (especially in public).
This has to be changed. It is a part of your job to hold people accountable for their behaviour, just as you would a stranger. Sure, they’ll be wounded at first, but if you talk to them calmly and explain to them the wrong of their ways, they’ll listen. It is tiny alterations like these that lead to major societal shifts.
Take a pledge to end racism
Racism may be found almost anywhere. Racism is rooted in conceit and the belief that you are superior to someone else because of the way you look. Though the country has progressed, it has not been sufficient. Racism must be eradicated on an individual and social level.
On a social level, we must fight popular racist notions and increase awareness. Schools, government agencies, and businesses must stop discriminating against people based on their skin colour or ethnicity and organisations must actively promote minorities.
Businesses must raise awareness of unconscious biases, encourage empathy, and strengthen social ties. Workplace leaders should be held accountable for creating an inclusive climate in which employees feel comfortable speaking out and sharing their concerns.
Finally, and most importantly, governments all across the globe must fight to reduce the structural inequities that racist social hierarchies have produced. Society may have divided us based on our skin colour but at the end of the day, we all bleed the same colour and have the same hearts.
Furthermore, we must educate ourselves on the subject and mentally overcome the barrier of racism in order to eradicate it. We shall be able to fully comprehend the essence of racism and, by doing so, we will be able to move forward and evolve as a society.
Also Read: LGBTQ+ inclusion has huge economic benefits
(Sumit Agarwal is a public relations specialist, storyteller, media relations specialist, disability and inclusion SDG ambassador.)
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the author’s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Autofintechs.com. Unless otherwise noted, the author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.)
