by William Banks

Created on: April 18, 2009

Is racism taught or learned? Hmm, I gotta say this question both makes a perfectly logical debate. As well as seeming redundant and a bit fortune cookie like. The answer is a little complicated. Truth is racism in many cases is as personal and individual as any other fear, emotion, or tendency.

In order to really look at racism I think it would better suit us to simplify the term. Bigotry, I suggest, encompasses a broader definition. Still though, I consider any racist to be a bigot, but not every bigot can be called a racist. However, I see them as identical in that by definitions both believe in superiority over perceived inferiority.

So what is bigotry/racism? It is the notion that one type of person is better than another. The basis for this argument are very often racially motivated. Due to the enormous amount of attention given to this familiar form of hate. I am going to trust that you know what it is and move on for now. Just as often as racism is displayed. So too does social differences insight bigotry. This is an unfair and sometimes irrational distaste for those that are not in the same tax bracket as you. Rich hate the poor, poor hate the rich. The last form of blatant bigotry I am going to touch on is ideological prejudice. I think this is the most prevalent brand of bigotry in America today. The hate speech spewed forth by the self proclaimed intellectually superior left, towards any conservative or religious (Christian) opinion. Is very clearly irrational bigotry.

Racial bigotry has been with mankind since we were able to notice differences. I truly believe that to some extent. It is natural for people to gravitate to those that they consider to be their equal. By equal I don't mean smart and dumb, but alike and different. If you question this I would suggest that you take a look at the prison system. Prisons were not structured to be racially divided or segregated. In fact the system strives to erase individuals and program numbers into a routine. They are all dressed in the same clothes and are not usually awarded for standing out. For some reason though, when you strip away the populations rights and confiscate the individualism of the people. They are motivated to seek security with those who share their skin tone. It's a basic primal instinct, that those who share your resemblance must also understand your struggle. So in the very basic existence that is prison. I would suggest that racism is learned.

Social prejudice is a little less frowned

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>