by Lesley Mason

Created on: May 26, 2007   Last Updated: July 20, 2007

I am not a racist. I wish I could say that with confidence. I think that, in fact, quite the reverse could be true. I do not believe that any race is inherently any better or worse than any other, in the same way that I don't think any species of fish or dog is any better or worse than any other. Nor do I believe that any race has a greater tendency to greed, or violence, or crime, or athleticism or intellect or creativity. I do, however, think that there are differences. It is not simply skin pigmentation. That just happens to be the most obvious. There are other physical and genetic differences, bone structure, lung capacity, susceptibility or relative immunity to certain diseases (depending upon which races you are comparing). You may argue that these have arisen due to environmental factorsbut that is how all species become distinct over time.

But perhaps that isn't what you mean by racism?

Prejudice.

Yes, I have to put my hand up there too. When I look at someone I don't know, before the logical brain kicks in, I do make assumptions on the basis of their appearance: be it the colour of their skin, their hairstyle, the clothes they choose to wear ~ or more usually upon a combination of all these and more. I infer their origins, their politics, their taste in music, even the likely sound of their voice. When I hear their voice: the language, the accent, the tone ~ a whole host of other assumptions are made: their education, their intelligence, what sort of books they readAnd sometimes I'm rightand sometimes I'm wrong.and thankfully, usually, the conscious part of my brain pulls me up before I find out one way or the other.

Now you may tell me you never do any of this. That you truly believe all human races are biologically exactly the samein which case, I will simply assume that you are of a faith that holds mankind to be something other than just another animal. I see no reason why there shouldn't be different breeds of human, just as there are of horse, or bird. You may tell me that you never make assumptions about anyoneand I may not believe you. If I am doing you an injustice and it is a simple fact that you see an African in European dress and one in Ugandan and make no different assumptions; if you never hear a Belfast accent, or a Boer one, or see a skinhead or a long-haired biker without subconsciously expecting a certain standpoint, then you are a more evolved human being than I am.

But this isn't about "race", I hear you say. No. That is the point.

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