Short Essay on racism

Dr. Meenakshi

Short Essays

Essay on racism

Human beings share the common yet distinctive anatomical structure. The basic anatomy and physiology is uniform among the different individuals of species homosapiens. Yet there are differences in the appearance, colour of the skin, physical viability and adaptability, cranial structure and numerous other such factors. These traits are transformed from one generation to another. These characteristics are also influenced by the environmental and geographical variations. Despite sharing such striking uniformity, not all the individuals showcase solidarity and respect towards other human beings. The idea or notion that a certain race of people is better than the other defines the term 'racism'. The fundamental changes in appearance of the individuals of a particular race are only due to geographical and environmental factors. Over the time, these traits are passed from one generation to another which makes these characteristics even more noticeable and peculiar. But in the whole description nowhere it is found that due to any of the cited reasons a particular race of people is better than others.

Still, one cannot deny from the fact that racism does persist in the modern world. According to various researches, it has been evident that the practice got its origin way back in 18^th century in European continent. From there, it spread to rest of the world, wherever, the influence of Europeans grew and flourished. Claiming to be the most civilized and leading race of the modern world, Europeans treated the Africans and Asians like 'sub-humans'. This was important in the context that Europeans were the rulers and were treating others as labour. This workforce was available to them by the inhabitants of these continents as salves. Due to poverty and particular tribal life style, the slave class in turn accepted the 'inferiority status' granted by their bread givers.

In the modern times, however, a lot has changed. No one is treated like a slave. The international and local law is strict and prohibits any kind of slavery act. The wages are paid on the basis of work and not the ethnicity. Strong laws were made and implemented throughout the globe. The governments of America, Africa and Asian countries made deliberate efforts to abolish any kind of racial discrimination present in the society. The results are encouraging. The scenario has improved a lot. But in certain countries racism does exist is one form or the other.

The governing bodies are not the culprits. It is 'the people' who constitute the structure of any society. There is still a large section of society in developed countries that treat the immigrants from other countries as 'lesser humans'. Sometimes, the expression of dissent is so higher that such incidences make the headlines of national journals. But the matter of concern is that most of the cases or daily life racist behaviour goes unnoticed. Those who become victims of such behaviour are terribly devastated and develop a feeling of fear and hatred towards the assailant and the society he represents. This leads to the vicious cycle of hatred and revenge. There have been numerous violent and unexpected repercussions in the past that denote nothing but the ill effects of racism.

Even the most famous historians have proved scientifically that all the humans had a common descent. So, there is no point of treating any one with discrimination on the basis of physical traits. This is an insult to the humanity and our whole existence. All races are equal and all individuals deserve to be dealt with equality only.

Are the people essentially the same? Explain why or why not?

What does the author say racism is?

In your country, are people paid differently according to race or gender? Explain.

What does the author say about a common descent of people? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Why, in former days, according to the author, did Europeans treat Africans and Asians as “sub-humans”?

Date: 2016-01-03; view: 1066