Racism is a pervasive issue that affects society and communities in numerous ways. Understanding its roots and manifestations is the first step towards taking a zero-tolerance stance and stopping the normalization of racial discrimination around us. Together, we can create a fairer and more equal world where no one is discriminated against due to the color of their skin. Let’s combat racism together!
What is Racism?
To understand what racism is, we first need to understand the concept of “race” and why Western ideology emphatically assumes that everything associated with the “white” or Caucasian race is superior.
The construction of race
Race is a social construct that categorizes people into groups based on physical characteristics such as their skin color, eye shape, and other hereditary traits. However, the social constructs of race, such as “African American,” “Latino,” “Asian,” or “White,” not only prompt us to think about people in terms of their physical traits, but also associate them with certain character traits or social status and attributes that have absolutely nothing to do with their ethnicity.
There’s no scientific proof that any race is superior to others, be that in intelligence or character, or inherit laziness, aggressiveness, or passivity. The genetic differences between races are, at most, minimal. We all belong to the same species: human.
Despite this, the notion of racial superiority has been propagated for centuries to justify self-proclaimed hierarchies and discrimination. This is not because skin color defines a person, but because the colonialist world order benefits from having “second-class citizens,” which allows for the supremacy of a few. Those “innocent” racist comments we hear daily are merely the everyday expression of an ideology that is neither innocent nor natural.
The origin of white supremacy
Have you ever wondered why most people who appear on television or in advertisements are whiter than average, or at least possess predominantly Caucasian features? This phenomenon of “media whiteness,” “aesthetic whiteness,” or “aspirational whiteness” occurs even in regions where the population is not predominantly Caucasian, for example, in Latin America and Africa. This is just one of the many ways this global ideology, that everything associated with whiteness is more desirable (and, therefore, sells more) is expressed.
The ideology of white supremacy has its roots in colonialism and slavery. During these periods, Western European powers justified the exploitation and subjugation of entire peoples under the propaganda that whites were intrinsically superior. This belief was institutionalized through law, policies, and systems that perpetuated racial inequality. Colonization not only plundered resources, but also implanted a racial hierarchy that continues to affect contemporary societies to this day.
Why is it Important to Combat Racism?
Today, most countries have laws stating that all people are equal and deserve the same treatment, regardless of their race, gender, or religion. There are even laws specifically designed to avoid racism in certain contexts.
However, the reality is that racism is not just the isolated act of discriminating against someone because of the color of their skin or native tongue. It is a systemic problem that manifests within the very institutions and social structures designed to protect us. This systemic racism is evidenced in many ways:
- Ethnic minorities often face barriers to accessing well-paid jobs and are victims of discriminatory hiring practices.
- Racialized communities often have less access to quality education because governments assume that investing resources in certain areas “doesn’t make sense.”
- Disproportionate police brutality towards people of color is a clear example of institutional racism.
- Health disparities between races are alarming, with people of color facing worse health outcomes and less access to quality healthcare services.
- Banking policies often make it more difficult for non-Caucasian people to access quality financial products, such as mortgages and loans with fair interest rates.
Unfortunately, cases of racial discrimination are becoming more common, with often fatal or lifelong consequences. In the United States alone, almost 60% of hate crimes are motivated by race, ethnicity, or ancestry, and in Spain, the figure reaches over 40%.
Although there is no reliable official global data, it is estimated that these statistics are equally alarming worldwide, especially in countries or economies with higher migration rates, and in regions where a white minority imposes its colonialist ideology. Assault and murder instigated by racism are followed by those motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity, and by hate crimes motivated by religion or ideology.
Racism in the world is a persistent and destructive force that affects millions of lives. Now, imagine your chances of becoming another statistic if you are, for example, a Moroccan transsexual immigrant in Spain. It’s not a crime to be Moroccan. It’s not a crime to be transsexual. And it definitely should not be a crime to migrate, especially when seeking opportunities to escape an economy that has historically kept your country of origin in poverty. Yet, you could end up paying with your life.
Do you still think it’s not important to combat racism?
How to say NO to racism?
To combat racism, simply posting on social media or “strongly condemning” cases of discrimination from behind our keyboards is not enough; it requires a call to action, collective organization, and unwavering commitment. Here are five USEFUL ways to say NO to racism:
1.- Educate yourself and others about the history and impact of racism. Education is a powerful tool for dismantling prejudices and stereotypes.
2.- Speak up in the face of racial discrimination. Confronting and reporting acts of discrimination is essential for creating change.
3.- Listen to and work alongside communities facing racialization to better understand their struggles and how you can best support them.
4.- Actively demand that your government representatives support and promote policies for racial equality and inclusion at all levels of society.
5.- Boycott peacefully but firmly companies, institutions, and movements that have racist or discriminatory policies.
Want to do all of the above in the coolest style? Makakooo is a clothing brand that seeks to make anti-racismfashionable. We know that wearing one of our hoodies or t-shirts won’t change the world immediately, but we are working hard to build an active community that challenges racism. Will you join us?
We are all the same. All against racism. We All Are Makakooo.
Check out our models!
Sources:
Estadísticas Sobre Delitos De Odio 2022
Los delitos de odio crecieron más de un 30%
Race and racial discrimination, how to say NO to racism?
Table of Contents
Racism is a pervasive issue that affects society and communities in numerous ways. Understanding its roots and manifestations is the first step towards taking a zero-tolerance stance and stopping the normalization of racial discrimination around us. Together, we can create a fairer and more equal world where no one is discriminated against due to the color of their skin. Let’s combat racism together!
What is Racism?
To understand what racism is, we first need to understand the concept of “race” and why Western ideology emphatically assumes that everything associated with the “white” or Caucasian race is superior.
The construction of race
Race is a social construct that categorizes people into groups based on physical characteristics such as their skin color, eye shape, and other hereditary traits. However, the social constructs of race, such as “African American,” “Latino,” “Asian,” or “White,” not only prompt us to think about people in terms of their physical traits, but also associate them with certain character traits or social status and attributes that have absolutely nothing to do with their ethnicity.
There’s no scientific proof that any race is superior to others, be that in intelligence or character, or inherit laziness, aggressiveness, or passivity. The genetic differences between races are, at most, minimal. We all belong to the same species: human.
Despite this, the notion of racial superiority has been propagated for centuries to justify self-proclaimed hierarchies and discrimination. This is not because skin color defines a person, but because the colonialist world order benefits from having “second-class citizens,” which allows for the supremacy of a few. Those “innocent” racist comments we hear daily are merely the everyday expression of an ideology that is neither innocent nor natural.
The origin of white supremacy
Have you ever wondered why most people who appear on television or in advertisements are whiter than average, or at least possess predominantly Caucasian features? This phenomenon of “media whiteness,” “aesthetic whiteness,” or “aspirational whiteness” occurs even in regions where the population is not predominantly Caucasian, for example, in Latin America and Africa. This is just one of the many ways this global ideology, that everything associated with whiteness is more desirable (and, therefore, sells more) is expressed.
The ideology of white supremacy has its roots in colonialism and slavery. During these periods, Western European powers justified the exploitation and subjugation of entire peoples under the propaganda that whites were intrinsically superior. This belief was institutionalized through law, policies, and systems that perpetuated racial inequality. Colonization not only plundered resources, but also implanted a racial hierarchy that continues to affect contemporary societies to this day.
Why is it Important to Combat Racism?
Today, most countries have laws stating that all people are equal and deserve the same treatment, regardless of their race, gender, or religion. There are even laws specifically designed to avoid racism in certain contexts.
However, the reality is that racism is not just the isolated act of discriminating against someone because of the color of their skin or native tongue. It is a systemic problem that manifests within the very institutions and social structures designed to protect us. This systemic racism is evidenced in many ways:
Unfortunately, cases of racial discrimination are becoming more common, with often fatal or lifelong consequences. In the United States alone, almost 60% of hate crimes are motivated by race, ethnicity, or ancestry, and in Spain, the figure reaches over 40%.
Although there is no reliable official global data, it is estimated that these statistics are equally alarming worldwide, especially in countries or economies with higher migration rates, and in regions where a white minority imposes its colonialist ideology. Assault and murder instigated by racism are followed by those motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity, and by hate crimes motivated by religion or ideology.
Racism in the world is a persistent and destructive force that affects millions of lives. Now, imagine your chances of becoming another statistic if you are, for example, a Moroccan transsexual immigrant in Spain. It’s not a crime to be Moroccan. It’s not a crime to be transsexual. And it definitely should not be a crime to migrate, especially when seeking opportunities to escape an economy that has historically kept your country of origin in poverty. Yet, you could end up paying with your life.
Do you still think it’s not important to combat racism?
How to say NO to racism?
To combat racism, simply posting on social media or “strongly condemning” cases of discrimination from behind our keyboards is not enough; it requires a call to action, collective organization, and unwavering commitment. Here are five USEFUL ways to say NO to racism:
1.- Educate yourself and others about the history and impact of racism. Education is a powerful tool for dismantling prejudices and stereotypes.
2.- Speak up in the face of racial discrimination. Confronting and reporting acts of discrimination is essential for creating change.
3.- Listen to and work alongside communities facing racialization to better understand their struggles and how you can best support them.
4.- Actively demand that your government representatives support and promote policies for racial equality and inclusion at all levels of society.
5.- Boycott peacefully but firmly companies, institutions, and movements that have racist or discriminatory policies.
Want to do all of the above in the coolest style? Makakooo is a clothing brand that seeks to make anti-racismfashionable. We know that wearing one of our hoodies or t-shirts won’t change the world immediately, but we are working hard to build an active community that challenges racism. Will you join us?
We are all the same. All against racism. We All Are Makakooo.
Check out our models!
Sources:
Estadísticas Sobre Delitos De Odio 2022
Los delitos de odio crecieron más de un 30%
Related Post
Against racist comments: Celebrate uniqueness and create an inclusive environment
Racism is a complex issue that permeates all social spheres, and one of its primary vehicles for manifestation is language. How much harm can a racist comment do? Aren’t words supposed to be fleeting?
Football against racism: no longer swept under the rug
Sports are among the most egalitarian spheres that we have: appearance, race, and background shouldn’t be the point of reference, but rather the player’s ability. At least, that’s how it should be. However, the reality is that cases of racism in sports, especially in soccer, and news of discrimination are not only common, but are often worse given the context.
Race and racial discrimination, how to say NO to racism?
Racism is a pervasive issue that affects society and communities in numerous ways. Understanding its roots and manifestations is the first step towards taking a zero-tolerance stance and stopping the normalization of racial discrimination around us. Together, we can create a fairer and more equal world where no one is discriminated against due to the color of their skin. Let’s combat racism together!