16 of 72

Learned

Write now Article Tools

The concept of anyone actually teaching racism is to most an abomination, yet there still exists in certain countries of the world, an intolerance that has outlasted the new generation of western thinkers.
Nobody openly teaches racism yet we are all at some stage in our lives guilty of learning it, be it from parent's sibling's extended family or personal experience.

The old worlds where intolerance was expected rather than rejected started to disappear after the explosion in communication and international travel during the middle of the last century, the world was seen to be one huge global village. As the village expanded we were all expected to instantly adapt and integrate with our new friends from overseas.
Unfortunately the nature of man is such that we all are suspicious of that which we know nothing or little about.
Language barriers lead us to be intolerant of others (why can't they speak English?)Why then can't we then speak Italian/French/Polish? Was the reply
Because something or someone challenges our comfort zone we tend to instantly dislike them regardless of colour or creed, the more different a person or culture may be then the more reason ( in some peoples view) to dislike them instantly. Fear of the unknown is more prevalent I believe in the old and the ignorant; not that I am suggesting that older people are ignorant possibly just less well informed than today's younger generation of internet users.
It is because those old enough to remember are still around that we as a peoples will tend to learn racism, it is not necessarily taught by the older generations but their intolerance comes through based on their bad experience ( anecdotal or actual) of initial meetings with those of a different race creed or colour.
In today's world intolerance and racism, can, be learned through subliminal images infiltrating the mind due to constant bombardment from the media surrounding the terrorist threats predominant in many cities. Because of the actions of a few (misguided heathens) who assert that what they do is in the name of Allah and the Muslim nation. To many ignorant of the actual ethos of Muslim religion when they see a Muslim at prayer they will assume he/she is evil and a threat so will walk to the other side of the street to avoid them, this in turn makes Muslims wary of their hosts so the cycle of racism is born again as each new generation will learn from their elders. As I say it is not openly taught that we / they should not be tolerant of others it is down to the fact that thee little things happen that we learn to distrust and ultimately dislike. Undoing that mistrust is something we will have to teach the next generation.
We all do however have it within us also, the ability to accept and love each and every member of the human race unconditionally; but for all of humanity to do that at one and the same time will take quite a few more generations.

Learn more about this author, ktarcus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is racism taught or learned??
We want to hear your view. Write now!