Understanding Types and Factors of Racism

When we believe racism, in most cases we imagine America and what's more surprising, the developed and powerful America which it's today. Many people associate racism with disliking or mistreating black people who supported their color of skin while this definition would be wrong. 

Changing this attitude is not an easy task to do. In fact, racism can take many forms and affect people throughout the world. It makes it harder to get a job and just be a part of society due to your color or nation. 

In this article, we will talk briefly about all these forms of racism taking place today and their consequences. If you think racism does not exist in India, then just think of Advertisements and Movies. 

Understanding the Meaning of Racism

Racism can be considered as an ideology or a social belief. It has become a social structure that eventually favors social groups over others. It is also stated as a belief of superiority of one race over others. It may vary for country, caste, religion, and most severe of color discrimination.

History of Racism

The effects today are the result of the past acts, the same is true for the discrimination among races. Until the 1800s, thousands of salves were brought in Europe from Africa. People were brought in ships, many families were separated due to such cruel acts. 

Almost 24 million slaves were brought and enslaved in the world. It was not until 1832, Sam Sharpe of Jamaica started the “Baptist war”, the biggest rebellion ever by slaves. Thousands of slaves fought against the British to gain control. The black moments then became strong in the early 1900. 

The civil rights movement started by Martin Luther King, Jr in the 1950s, and 1960 achieved equality and human rights for African Americans.

Basic Types of Racism

Racism is based on assumptions, stereotypes, superstitions, and generalizations associated with people who have a different skin color. These people often have a status of inferiors and are being cut on power, resources, and many opportunities that the modern world can give.

Even now, when we all try to avoid racism in our everyday life, some politicians and journalists promote such ideas to justify their actions and views on different issues. It mainly includes job and house problems, and crime. 

Racism has its widespread over all the world. It’s just like a psychological disease to the human mind. We can differentiate such kinds of racism as:

1. Harassment: 

This is an abuse (verbal or physical) motivated by differences in the race
which can lead to attacks on people and property. This threatening behavior can happen anywhere: school, college, work, public transport, and places, in the street and even home. It turns people into victims.

2. Attacks: 

You have probably faced these headings in the news when black people are
attacked and even killed just for being black. Police can be powerless when it comes to investigation.

3. Institutional Racism: 

When people suffer from it simply because racism is integrated within the social structure: system, police, business, and many more. It is explained just like the failure to supply an appropriate and professional service to some people due to their complexion or origin. 

It can be noticed in behavior, attitude, and be explained by prejudice, thoughtlessness, and ignorance. Racism doesn’t mean disliking someone: it is a hierarchic system of taking advantage of the race.

Many people (mainly white ones) underestimate the depth of the problem and thus do not understand the consequences it may have for a larger system. There are seven factors of racism:

1. Categories: 

Organizing people into particular groups.

2. Segregation: 

It forms racist preferences, perceptions, and belief.

3. Fractions: 

They trigger loyalty and competition in the group by keeping white and black
communities separated (this is based on historical reasons).

4. Hierarchy: 

It makes people behave, feel, and think like a racist.

5. Power: 

It makes racism legal on micro and macro levels.

6. Passivism: 

Not noticing or denying racism existence encourages people to try to the same.

7. Media: 

It tends to idealize white people thus minimizing the colored people.

Passive racism is perhaps one among the foremost common and dangerous because people just don`t care. Discussions on this topic are particularly relevant today. 

Now scientists carry out several experiments to show people that the bodies of Black people are just the same as white and there is no difference between them. 

However, every person should try to change their negative attitude to help the world overcome the racism pandemic and become a better-united society.

How to Combat Racism?

“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 its opposite. “ ~Nelson Mandela

Though this act of racism is seemed to be very cruel it can be tackled by just easy means. What we must expect from other humans is just some love and it is not impossible to not be lovable, caring, respectful, and first a human being. 

So here are some ways to tackle racism if you are facing it or your surroundings.

Everyday Ways to Stop Racism in Your Surroundings

Educate yourself i.e. understand the truth and be aware of the current situation and local acts. 

You can become a healing presence for those who have faced the racist deeds. If you are facing racist acts, be free to tell someone like your parents or teachers. If you are mature enough please inform the local authorities in very severe cases.

Always report the abuse acts immediately be faced by you or your friend. At present times, all of us are using social media but the same can prove fatal for heavy trolls or privacy leaks. So while using social sites be sure you are secure and defend your privacy. Avoid unknown friends and visiting unknown links.

Support is the most important factor that a victim requires. So always be supportive to your friend and neighboring. Always stand aside them in such social deeds. 

While we are being very social, we often unknowingly offend or laugh at racial jokes, it may seem funny but will have a great mental effect on the victim. 

So always avoid joking socially on personal or other sensitive content. If possible, show your participation in anti-racist peaceful protests. You can also show you acts socially by supporting local movements. Just from now take care that your words do not hurt someone's emotions.

Written by - Harshad Bhagwan

Edited by - Sandhya R