"R" is for Racism

From what I have come to understand, racism is more often a deliberate act. Particularly, in a society that has constructed various systems that enhance and promote racism, there actually exists a consciousness that knows that such a system is advantageous for some while all the while pulling down others. It is the subversive status quo, which lingers and lives by the power of the people. Men have always constructed advantages for themselves, but it is exploiting other people that has done the most damage. To first exploit people they have to be placed in an disadvantageous position. There are two things that can justify certain (racial) things, one is to get lots of people doing what you are doing, the other is to make it a part of life, a cultural act if you will. At this point we can certainly say advantage and culture can go hand in hand. What exactly makes people prejudice of others, it seems to be distinctions, even though they are part and parcel to life, nevertheless they are often used to divide people: sadly in a capitalist society, the next thing would be to put the groups into a system of hierarchy. In other words, the group that is considered better is then placed over others: moreover, it would certainly be easier if one group is placed in the most negative/disadvantageous position: furthermore based on a constructed hierarchy it then becomes a construct to distribute various things via the lest to best. You would think in a democratic society, people would be allowed to develop and then compete equally. However after trying to implement such an democratic ideal, unfortunately you realize that there are lots of constructed things that give certain people advantages.
This brings me to oppression, there are many systems that give others advantages over others, life has no shortage of constructed systems which can oppress. However we can say, if I had a system that gave me an advantage, I would more than likely be willing to keep it in place. Many have did just that, moreover, by keeping such system in place sadly it usually comes about by whatever means possible. It becomes very contentious issue as some try to keep the constructed status quo. If I recognize that the system is oppressively based, I for one thing can exploit the oppressed within that very system. Justice is then denied. People are pretty deliberate when acting to oppress others, especially if such a system is readily available to them: the other thing is it becomes entrenched in an acceptable system. Thus it becomes almost justifiable, based on tradition, culture or whatever you may have.
There are two examples of racism being a constructed thing. I have had children grow up, and they grew up pretty normal. They interacted with various people, however later on, it becomes obvious that as soon as the kids realized that they lived in a racial society, they took on different identities.
Then there are public schools verses community schools. In a public school, that specifically caters to a segregated community, which moreover is often predominately white, the lines become pretty obvious. It seems people make a choice to be openly segregated, and they draw lines based on obvious distinctions. Whereas in a community school where there is a mixture of people, the lines of distinction are not as obvious: probably because the later school practices the ethics of multiculturalism. It is here that the obvious can be said, that race and racism are a deliberate construct. Moreover the opposite can also be said to be true where race can play a very insignificant part in a school system. If this is all true, than the onus is for us to be more responsible, because we can obviously dictate what our society shall become.
Why is racism a problem? It is often guided by hate, it is certainly an oppressive system. No person is immune to the scourges of hate, in fact recognizing oppression is also a burden in itself. We may feel we are strong people, but hate/oppression will sneak in and do damage to our psyche. I for one never felt that racism effected me, but there it was being an oppressor. I relished the time when people could identify with my oppression. Men can oppress women, though unknowingly, however like any oppression people need to be educated. Certainly it is the truth that sets you free, but how do we end up being so entangled? When we use oppression to launch our own frustration and hate.
There comes a time when it becomes so burdensome, so tiring and we must ask is there any hope for new things? As I spoke of my oppression, it was like submitting to the pain that I carried, and by telling someone who came from the oppressors it seemed to be so liberating. I thought that people’s ignorance made them so guilty, that they were part of the oppressors. Then I realized, not all people understand and this allows them to be excused. In fact, they actually wanted to learn and listen, it certainly takes special people to go beyond themselves, but that is precisely what we need. We need great individuals to rise above the majority, to face oppression in its face. If we can help any oppressed person then we are certainly good stewards of each other’s well-being. Today I realize I can not take up the same fight, and that my own heart is more important. That my feelings, must be kept in check. If we give in and fight, the oppressor gets an advantage. There are lots of oppressed people out there, but for one thing we need them to be in control of their emotions. Certainly every smoldering flame of anger, lights the fire of hate. Love is the only answer, because it is the water that cools the soul.

See Video for racism in action......