Racism Was Ancient Will Be A Chronic Battle: Here’s Why
The popular protest that we recently experienced regarding the unjust behaviour towards the people with a darker complexion, evoked innumerable questions and suspicions in my head with regards to the discrimination and suppression that they experienced all these years. Again, it is not only faced by a part, but the world as a whole.
The History of Racism is as old as 500 years old. It developed gradually till now , when it has become a serious offense. From Hitler’s ideologies to Gandhiji revolting in South Africa to this Pandemic, we can see how racism peaked in several centuries, even though we see urbanisation and a majority of heterodox population peaking at this very moment, we see that some stereotypes haven’t been altered.
Here are some of my observational theories that indirectly promote unwanted racism.
1) Our widely used English dialect possesses racism.
WHY, Why is Dark always negatively connoted with gloom. Why is dark referred to as evil and something wicked. On the contrary, why is fair synonymous with good? Why is fair considered to be attractive whereas dark is considered ugly? A very good example of Shakespeare’s work: The Merchant of Venice, when he practices the use of a phrase which is “Wise, Fair and True.” He used several other phrases which more or less are Racist. Although it is dated as old as 400 years old, we haven’t really abandoned its propogation. Even if several reforms are brought in the mindsets of people, some questionable things may still hurt those who are the real “sufferers.” The language has been forged in such a manner, that I’m afraid, Nobody will be surprised to see this continuing for several centuries.
2) The Cosmetic and Film Industry
It hurts me how film industries prefer a lighter complexed artist than a darker one, even after knowing that you can’t decide the colour of your skin by birth, and it is very genetic of it. Cosmetic Industries on the other hand have proved it wrong by the marketing of several “Skin Whitening” and laser-like technologies to “improve” one’s skin colour. Those who are trolled by others about their complexion, may become the victims of this huge scam of marketing strategy. Ways to decrease the melanin level in us is also being practised in several countries.
3) The “Caste” System
Ranging from the time of human existence, there’s no doubt in lessening of the rigidity in our caste system. But that one thing that has been stagnant is the myth in the heads of the people that “Dark people are economically weaker and are usually labours or servants.” This mentality has been there and I’ve noticed the youth also practising the same. Even after engaging yourself in a very laborious activity that involves a huge exposure to sun for the “Upper classes”, they’re considered to be “unchaste” and “dirty” even after doing a hell lot of work than us.
Colour is just a scientific and heredity trait which has NOTHING to do with:
1. Beauty
2. Chastity
3. Superiority
In my opinion, discrimination begins at that very moment when you specifically use terms that may attack several kinds of people. Simplest of example being the use of the popular tagline which says “Black is Beautiful” and “Black Lives Matter” WE SHOULD KNOW THAT EACH ONE OF US IS BEAUTIFUL IN SOME WAY & ALL LIVES ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. WE CANNOT USE RACIAL SUFFIXES IN ORDER TO CURB RACISM. BEAUTY IS A VIRTUE THAT DOES NOT GO IN HAND WITH COLOUR AND BY USING SUCH TAGLINES YOU’RE JUST PROMOTING DISCRIMINATION AND INFERIORITY IN THE SOCIETY.
I, Preet Jhaveri, am signing off at this very note.
Stay Positive, Stay Focused!
