How to End Racism

[sam2]

Recent events remind us that racism remains rampant. Yet we can easily end racism through understanding and education.

People must realize that God created all humans from one couple, thus making the entire human race one large extended family. God says:“ O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve); and from the two of them He spread abroad a multitude of men and women” (Qur'an 4:1).

Furthermore, we must understand that no race is superior to another. We appreciate a garden having many different flowers because we realize that each adds something to the beauty of the entire arrangement. This is why we do not object to the color of any flower. In a similar way we can see the world as a garden decorated with people of different colors. Let us appreciate that each variety of people contributes something to the spice of life in this world. God says:“ O mankind! We have created you male and female , and have made you nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily, (start w/this word). The noblest of you in the sight of Allah*, is the most pious (righteous) of you” (Qur'an 49:13).

The noblest are the most obedient to God. Such persons may belong to nay race or country. What really matters is their conduct and behavior. The prophet Mohammad* publicly declared that Arabs are not superior to non-Arabs, and one color is not superior to another. In a day when light-skinned people could not imagine a black person as their leader, the prophet appointed a black person Usaamah, the son of zaid, as a leader.

As a result of following these teachings, many people have banished racism from their thoughts and actions. You can still see racial harmony today in the mosques of cosmopolitan cities. You will find people of various colors worshipping together, all with equal status before God. Rich or poor, black or white, kind or pauper all line up side by side to worship. No special preference is given to anyone based on color or social status. The leader in a mosque is appointed for his learning in the religious sciences, regardless of skin color. There is no such concept as a 'black mosque' or 'white mosque'. Islam removes such destructive concepts.

[Chris Sanders MSX]

We could also murder all racists. That'd work too.

Honestly there's no way to totally erase it but with each generation it becomes less common. Our generation is one of the least racist, with the amount of interracial couples trippling each year, it's only a matter of time before we all become ONE RACE. Mwahahaha.. No I'm joking but that was just me making a point of how much better things are getting. Racism is the mark of idiots.

[zmanjz]

Understanding and wisdom. (Not so much religion) That's the real key.

[Eddie G.]

Inter racial couples, if we do this for a thousand years eventually we'll all be the same grayish color and hate people for the person they really are.

Honestly racism will not end anytime soon, neither will hate. All we really can do is be good people ourselves and do our best to make the world a better place.

[Pilmedium]

Nowadays, racism rarely causes big problems in daily life. The "recent events" that were referred to must be terrorism. There will always be some people who follow through with such opinions, so education on the topic cannot solve all problems.

People must realize that God created all humans from one couple, thus making the entire human race one large extended family.

Remember that it is unconstitutional to force people to have particular religious beliefs. I, for one, will never believe the first part of that sentence. (before the comma)

[Zombies8MDingo]

I really don't think humans are capable of ending racisim, it seems to be a product of our aggresion and need to seek out an enemy. Would you consider any of the reasons for war/violence to be actual reasons, or mearly an excuse to fight?

<----- I'm a fine one to talk, having an avatar from such a violent show. http://forums.toonzone.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Djm912]

The only real way for racism to be eliminated from mankind is for mankid to be eliminated itself. As long as we exist in this world, there will be feelings of superiorty and hatred between different groups.

[Parallax]

I say we dip everyone in blue paint. That should solve everything.

[Zombies8MDingo]

Why blue paint, you got something against green?! http://forums.toonzone.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[DianaGohan]

Sadly, I fear that racism will never be completley gone until everyone can get over they're fears and anxiteies of each other, not to mention they're dislike. And unfourtanley, I can't see that happening for at least a while. A very long while.

[Squall]

An attempted invasion of Earth by aliens from another planet would be the perfect solution (well, if we successfully fought off the invaders, anyway!). An outside threat to all of humanity would bring us closer together in ways that nothing else could. All our little human problems -- racism, nationalism (which is not a bad thing, as long as "I love Country A" doesn't automatically mean "I hate Country B"), poverty, etc. -- would mean little compared to the complete eradication of human civilization and the conquest of Earth as a colony planet. It may sound like pure science fiction (and perhaps it is? who knows...), but you gotta admit, it would certainly work! :)

[Chris Wood]

It is impossible to completely eliminate racism. Ignorance and prejudice will always be a part of society. Depressing, ain't it?

[Stewie]

Like so many other things, I think it is not important that we eliminate racism, but that we keep trying to do so.

[sam2]

I do not believe that we will be able to banish racism in the USA. Racism is at the forefront in church, in the board room, at the meal table, in the workplace, in the schools, in justice system(she is definitely not blind), in government(all presidents were white), in the Constitution, everyday encounters, etc.

Furthermore, I don't think there should be a colorblind society. We should cherish diversity which is definitely more interesting.
Homogenuity is boring.

[zmanjz]

Recent events remind us that racism remains rampant. Yet we can easily end racism through understanding and education.


I do not believe that we will be able to banish racism in the USA.

Furthermore, I don't think there should be a colorblind society. We should cherish diversity which is definitely more interesting.
Homogenuity is boring.



Inconsistant much?


um, YES.

[ClockStomper]

Racism is perpetuated through the generations. Racist parents beget a racist child. It's not something inborn or some "evil spirit" acting up within people.

There'll always be some popular brand of hate.

[RD!]

Sadly, I fear that racism will never be completley gone until everyone can get over they're fears and anxiteies of each other, not to mention they're dislike. And unfourtanley, I can't see that happening for at least a while. A very long while.

I agree I don't think racism will go away for a long time either because people are too afraid to change from their deeply rooted cultural upbringings and the media's explotation of racism as a good thing.

[Teleroboxer]

If we could stop people from having opinions then we could stop racism.

People do not want racism to end except for the type of racism which targets them.

[Boy Wonder]

Kill all the Norman Lear shows from the 70s? Unlikely, but that would stop it. Or just shoot Sanford and Bunker together. Hmmm.

[sun]

Throughout human history, there has been some sort of racial hatred, cutltural hatred, and religious hatred...This question is related to the one on evil. Racism, Aftro-American vs "white" has lessoned in the USA. but not eliminated....But other forms of racism, vs Native Americans, Africans, Asians, etc, may not have lessoned, may in fact have gotten worse....We as citizens of U.S.A. "should" have the least of anyplace, but I do not know if we do....After all, we are all immigrants, except Native Americans, and in some sections of U.S.A, they are hated the most.....Religion has failed in many ways to improve the situation, in some cases, religion has fostered forms of racism. I am saddened and that situations still exist where people hate just becase they look different........A great episode of the old show Twililght Zone dealt with this as well as anything I've ever seen...Anyone recall it? Stuart

[Eddie G.]

People do not want racism to end except for the type of racism which targets them.
No, I don't want anyone to suffer because of their race, may they be white or black or asian or whatever. And many white men fought for civil rights.

[RD!]

No, I don't want anyone to suffer because of their race, may they be white or black or asian or whatever. And many white men fought for civil rights.

Actually, he is right. It's merely human nature.

However, not everyone may truly want their's to stop. Racism is a very accepted thing and is well marketed. What do you think rap is? Do you think African-Americans really care anymore? No, not really. Why? They're making millions off exploiting the travesties committed in the past.

Racism is profitable, if you exploit it the right way.

[sun]

A play, "South Pacific" (l949,or 8) states, "' You have to be taught to hate" This is what I believe...

[RD!]

A play, "South Pacific" (l949,or 8) states, "' You have to be taught to hate" This is what I believe...

Human nature dictates that you will hate. What you hate has to be taught. But teaching isn't always meant in such a literal form as your family influences. There's always bad things done to people that reflect upon their personal hatreds as they grow. Not to mention racism leads to racism.

So in a sense, hate isn't taught as it's inevitable.

[Chris Wood]

However, not everyone may truly want their's to stop. Racism is a very accepted thing and is well marketed. .

Don't be ridiculous. Nobody enjoys suffering from discrimination.

[Outlander00]

Mass Xenocide!! Let the dogs and cats take over!! :evil:

*clears his throat* Right!! :sweat:

Seriously, racism and any type of discrimination will not go away anytime soon because there are so many factors in this world that will fuel it. However, zmanjz probably said it best... understanding and wisdom are probably the key, with a little compassion towards your fellow man thrown in.

As Chris said, with each passing generation these three qualities are passed down. If this trend continues, we might be able to rid ourselves of such vices like discrimination. As for a short term solution, there isnt one unless someone starts up events like in the book 1984. :p

[RD!]

Don't be ridiculous. Nobody enjoys suffering from discrimination.

Rap music exploits black racism for money. Simple.

[ClockStomper]

It's funny that people use the Bible to justify equality, since it was (and still is by some) used to justify hatred and discrimination for so long. I'm not singling out the Bible, every religous text has been used to further a sense of superiority among those in power. Just look at caste systems and fundamentalist societies.

Education is power. If your uneducated and can't read, you can't contest the assertion by your leaders that the religous texts say to kill all americans. But it can't always help, especially if compliance is the only way to avoid savage beatings or execution. Or if sending your child to Osama's camps is the only way tp garuntee they get food and a place to sleep.

[CookieS]

The best way to stop racism is to educate yourself on all people's similarities. The amount of pigment in the skin, the size of someone's nose or eyes, have no bearing on what type of person someone is. Racism is a socially created predjuice. Everyday we have a choice to abide by the social norms or break them. You stop racism one person at a time, and sharing your knowledge and experiences with people.

[Chris Wood]

Rap music exploits black racism for money. Simple.

Really? When Nelly sings about taking his clothes off, I didn't realize it was a subtle metaphor for social injustice. That's deep man.

[EinBebop]

Some people have touched on this, but let me just say that I think racism has little to do with skin color and everything to do with culture and people's desire to cling to and/or reject different ones.

On an ordinary day, I'd probably write a nice little essay elaborating, but I'm just not in the mood. :yawn:

[Outlander00]

Some people have touched on this, but let me just say that I think racism has little to do with skin color and everything to do with culture and people's desire to cling to and/or reject different ones.

I think Ein has hit it on the head, when it comes to racism today. If anything, any racism (or any type of discrimination for that matter) can be traced to the notion that it has to do with any combination of culture, economic status and/or society in general (either one or all three depending on where in the world you are). Rejection of aspects or everything of one culture will lead to the festering of emotions that may ultimately come out to being hatred towards one "race", gender, or nationality.

My goodness, I just agreed with something Ein said... The worlds coming to an end! :p

[EinBebop]

My goodness, I just agreed with something Ein said...Come into the light. :cool:

[Cartman]

I have been reading a book for my Native American Studies course last year called Racism: Unraveling the Fear by Nathan Rutstein. In the book, Rutstein explains that by promoting all these multicultural events and erecting billboards that say things like BE HATE FREE, we are just covering up a wound rather than healing it. He discussed a seminar in which people of different races would interact with each other every week as a solution to toning down racism. I can't remember the details, but he said something like that.

[Pilmedium]

Education is power. If your uneducated and can't read, you can't contest the assertion by your leaders that the religous texts say to kill all americans. But it can't always help, especially if compliance is the only way to avoid savage beatings or execution. Or if sending your child to Osama's camps is the only way tp garuntee they get food and a place to sleep.

Bringing that into it further states that racism is like any other kind of prejudice. Overthrowing corrupt leaders could reduce those problems, but it is none of the United States's business to do so.[/casual reference]

I have been reading a book for my Native American Studies course last year called Racism: Unraveling the Fear by Nathan Rutstein. In the book, Rutstein explains that by promoting all these multicultural events and erecting billboards that say things like BE HATE FREE, we are just covering up a wound rather than healing it. He discussed a seminar in which people of different races would interact with each other every week as a solution to toning down racism. I can't remember the details, but he said something like that.

I have a feeling that the people who have racist beliefs would not attend that kind of thing.

[czyznyck99]

The best effort I have seen to end rascism is in grouping Italians, light-skinned Latinos, Eastern Asians, All Europeans, and Canadiens into one group. Whites. And it has worked. But in the process, it pissed off blacks to the degree that they may never trust anyone again. This is, of course, assuming that no one is gay.

The only way to end it? Bring along an apocalyptic threat to the world where the only rule of survival is not to hate. The world will have to come together, or die. And humans will ultimately prove their own stupidity when they do die.

Later.

[Ben]

I'm inclined to take the view of a few politically incorrect muppets (http://aristaassociatedlabels.com/media/avenue_q/audio/05_everyones_a_little_bit_racist_30_128.ram) I've been listening to lately. It's not if but who and to what extent. I, for instance, am racist. I'd get more nervous walking past a black guy in a dark alley in Chicago at 2 am than a white guy. It's a conditioned response that I can't help.

I wrangled with this for a while because I grew up in a plural neighborhood. My friends were Armenian, Filipino, Korean, Mexican. I came to Chicago for school and it was the first time I'd lived in an area where there were racial neighborhoods. Most of the black people I meet on the street in Evanston are bigger than me, strangers, and are asking me for money, so my default emotional response to black men became anxiety. I don't say this to lay blame elsewhere, I say it becuase I think confronting this reaction gives me the strength to fight it. It just means I have remind myself to try harder to start conversations with black kids, not that I feel some uncontrollable urge to beat them senseless. Nor do I believe they are inferior to me. If anything, when I'm feeling down I believe myself inferior for having these feelings, especially considering the actions of my ancestors.

I feel very nervous posting this here because I am afraid I'll be left out in the cold. I hope someone else will step up and admit their experiences as well. This is the way these barriers will come down, I feel -- openness. Put your preaching about understanding to practice.

An attempted invasion of Earth by aliens from another planet would be the perfect solution

Ever read Watchmen?

[Cartman]

I have a feeling that the people who have racist beliefs would not attend that kind of thing.

Well, actually what I was talking about was people who do not have racist beliefs, but who tend to fear those who are different. I, for example, am not racist, but am uncomfortable around African Americans that I don't know beacause of all the violence and drugs that I associate with them. In fact, who on this board doesn't fear or isn't uncomfortable around at least one minority group? Rutstein explained that many people who aren't openly racist (they don't talk like they have racist beliefs or anything like that and may even chew one out for their racist talk) are still inwardly racist (they fear or are uncomfortable around those who are different even though they show no signs of racism). Why do most black people tend to hang out with only black people or most whites with whites?

These people would never admit they were racist, but may not want to be uncomfortable around these other races. So that's when they may attend one of these seminars.

[sKorpia]

Twage, I'm glad there are people like you in the world. I have no qualms about acknowledging my own racism. I know that I tend to trust white people more readily than black or Latino people and that I'll trust Asians over white people. I get scared driving through or approaching the more Latino-side of my city. And big black men are just plain intimidating to a small Asian female such as myself. I'm not sure how I learned it (there's never been an incident in which I was mugged or insulted or really given any cause to distrust a given race), though I have a pretty good idea of where these influences have come from.

All of this doesn't mean that I don't have black or Latino friends (albeit not many). But it does mean that I will be more defensive and wary on the street or among strangers, which translates to very closed body language, etc. Not exactly the way to promote friendship.

But for me, the most important thing is awareness, which Twage demonstrated in anecdotal form. At least I know that I am prejudiced so when that feeling hits, I can step back and mentally shake myself. It's constant vigilance and I don't always win. But the personal effort has to be made. So I guess it's not enough to simply know; you have to be willing to work at it too.

[Senbei Norimaki]

big black men are just plain intimidating to a small Asian female such as myself.

:sweat: I thought girls liked big dudes. I guess I'm lucky to be only half Black. :D

[Caffeine King]

Unfortunatley, I don't think racism will ever be stopped. :(

Especially here in Georgia...

We have some BAD neighbors!

We have some REAL nice black neighbors and the bad neighbors are racists and one time one of our black neighbors, Macal, and his cousin, Boy (nickname,) were walking down the street minding their own business and the littest kid says "I like cofee, I like tea, but I don't like n****** no-sure-e!" Right in front of them!

And the oldest one (who I can't stand and looks like he's on crack or something) walks up to this other nice black family down the street, who are related to the black family next to us.

Well he walks up to them and says "Hey! We don't like them n****** up there!"

Talk about a JACKASS!!!

I can't stand them or any other racist person on this Earth.

[Ben]

That's so sad, Caffeine King, that you have to witness that kind of indoctrination in children in your neighborhood. I'd imagine kids whose parents tells them they're superior grow up to be adults who are even more impossible to convince otherwise.

At least I know that I am prejudiced so when that feeling hits, I can step back and mentally shake myself. It's constant vigilance and I don't always win. But the personal effort has to be made. So I guess it's not enough to simply know; you have to be willing to work at it too.

Thanks for speaking up. I couldn't have said it better.

[EinBebop]

I missed the thread. Have we ended racism yet?

[RD!]

Yes. Racism and Gay bashing had a fight in Alabama and the latter won.

[Scythemantis]

We will always have racism. Period. It's not even worth discussing solutions because there aren't any. Just as we will always have people who obsess over celebrity fashions, people afraid of heights, people who enjoy tea, people who want children, people who don't want children, people who prefer dogs or cats, people with plans for greatness and people just satisfied building chairs for a living, we will always have people who resent the mildly different because it's just another everyday quirk that makes the human race human. It isn't a nice one, I don't particularly favor it, but it's a fact of life. People hate all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons (or lack thereof).

As shown by Twage (pretty bravely considering the sort of quick judgement and ignorance that runs rampant on the internet) preference for a particular race or races does not make someone a sick, psychotic monster. Such things can be nothing more than an unconcious or unavoidable character quirk, no different from any other run-of-the-mill eccentricities. It's when these minor little faults become a deliberate lifestyle that people should start worrying, and the oversensitive are a problem all their own...I know of people who would treat Twage like Adolf-freaking-Antichrist Mcgee.

Racism is in fact far less prevalent today than it was just decades ago, and shows no sign of a very significant resurgence. PARANOIA over racism, however, continues to escalate. People have nothing better to do these days than petition for more diversity in balogna commercials when they could be devoting their energy to some real problems.

[ZorBrak]

There's a certain girl I know whom I can say is truly amazing and guess what she's part black, I don't care. She's gorgeous and the coolest punk chick I've ever met. We came close to dating once but a friend got in the way....and I must say 4 months later I still want to be with her more than ever. *sigh* who knows what the next months hold in store....but racists can burn in oblivion k bye.

[Stardust]

I tried to read as many of the posts as I could before I posted, but I don't think anyone mentioned stereotypes.

One way to help prevent racism is to stop stereotyping. I also don't think racism will ever end, there is too much hate between races and even within ethnicities (take Asians, for example. Chinese vs. Taiwanese is a common dispute). Many times it is offensive and crude. Yes, stereotypes start from a little bit of the truth, but it is harmful and hurtful, even if they are funny or true.

That was my two cents.

[creeper]

I hate posting so late, but i just got my connection up.

Racism sucks. It also sucks that people pass up getting to know great people because of the color of their skin, religion, etc. I give mad props to the people the people that are able to come to terms with their short comings. Knowing yourself is the first step to changing.

Personally i think of things this way: If we were born blind, skin color would be irrelevant. So why is it relevant now? I think as a whole, the human race is spoiled. We're so vain that we feel we have to classify everything in separate categories. It doesn't matter what skin color you are, it doesn't matter what joe blow down the streets skin color is. What matter is what kind of person each individual is. I don't mind people that take pride in their race or religion or whatever; however, when said religion or lifestyle cause you to alienate or treat others with disrespect, that isn't cool and maybe one should take time and maybe reconsider one's behavior.

I live my life by the golden rule. Treat others as you would want to be treated. No matter my initial feelings or worries, or paranoia, i always treat a person i meet with the same warmth and compassion i would want to be treated with. I work in a hospital with a lot of patients and that attitude is the best one to work with. No matter how bad you feel or how uncomfortable you are, you have to put out a vibe that keeps the other person feeling safe and calm. No matter how nasty they act or how bad you have to keep smiling cause you don't know what they've gone through. Maybe that smile will get them through the day or the surgury they are about to undergo.

I'm not perfect...i'm very flawed.....as long as a remember that it keeps me from forgeting that there is always room for change and improvement. I know i'm only one person, but if my the way i live my life can inspire one more person to strive to be a better person than it was all worth it. If not, I hope i can teach my kids the same level of tolerance so they can spread the good karma to counteract the bad.