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The other day, I attended a very good presentation on homosexual culture and identity. The speaker was excellent and I was enjoying the speech. Then, we got into an "interact-with-the-audience" section and it was there that I stumbled across the subconscious racism that we are raised on.
We were asked to identify forms of discrimination other than homophobia. This lead to a mini-discussion of the "races" of the world, and then the "ethnicalities within those races." As an example, one person spoke up saying that African people were a race, and people from Kenya were a culture/ethnicity specific to the African race. I was appalled. What was going on here? What was I witnessing? I'll tell you, I was witnessing the entrenched racism of North American society, alive and well.
I've never particularly liked the word: race. What does that denote? If one says there are different "races" of Homo sapiens on this Earth, does that mean they are in competition with one another? It is like saying that one person is smarter than another is because "their race" has moved ahead in The Race; they are from a more advanced "breed" of human. This must sound like utter nonsense, but that is what the word 'race' sounds like to me, which is why I have such distaste for it.
In the late 19th century, the 'Science of Race' was established. This was basically a "scientifically determined" list of all the different cultures in the world, listed in order of intelligence. Of course, following the path of historical bigotry, the Northern Europeans were placed at the top, and South Africans (native to the area) were at the bottom. This heinous list was used as justification for the inhumane suppression of slaves originally from the western coast of Africa. It was also used in defense of discrimination against Asians, South Americans, and any number of non Anglo-Saxon peoples. Therefore, the term 'racism' carries the excess baggage of centuries of outright crimes against humanity (i.e. the enslavement of Western and Central Africans for work in the Americas), not to mention xenophobia.
The words 'black' and 'white' have so many meanings in our culture, the most common being that of skin colour. By my own observations, no one on this PLANET has "black" skin or "white" skin. While these are the easiest terms to use, and they've been in use for decades, they are wrong. Would you call someone with tanned skin a "yellow?" Probably not. Also, the words reinforce the 'us-you' mentality; black is the opposite of white on the colour spectrum (or in the shadows spectrum, if you're going to be precise). I once heard a prominent African American speaker say, "Well, I'll call you European American, then." I wholeheartedly agree with him. I feel that if the need arises to "section" somebody off, or when discussing the important subject of one's past or "roots," the country or continent one's ancestors originated in is always the clearest and least prejudiced way to go.
Another word I don't agree with is 'Indian' when it is applied to the First Nations of North America (or any aboriginal group of the world). When Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean Islands, he thought he had reached an island connected to India, and called the native people living there Indians. This mistake has gone down in history and made its mark in that we STILL use it to this day.
There are many problems with the common vocabulary used by many people here in North America. It is understandable, since they all stem from historical prejudices. Although I can't correct the millions of people, or change the dictionary or do anything, really, I have made a personal change in my own life. I have made up my mind to never use those words if I can help it. Sometimes I have difficulty, and I often think the words in my head, but I am quick to correct myself. I think all humans are on the same level and should be treated thus. I don't want to be part of the suppression of certain groups in society by using any terms that demean anyone. We are all equal, it's about time we started applying this to every facet of our culture.
***These are all opinions, everyone has their right to disagree with me (but that doesn't mean I'll agree with your disagreement ;} )
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Karis
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Comments
Cameron Roberts | Nov 10th, 2001
I like your ideas, but I'm not sure if
I agree with them.I think that every race
on Earth is equal, and that the term "indian
should not be used, but calling people "black"
or "white" is just another way of identifying
people, no one calls you racist if you say
"he has red hair", and I think that this
is the same with races.
I think that we should celebrate our
differences, instead of pretend that they don't
exist.
We can be one race Chaieomie Helen O'Connor | Nov 10th, 2001
Dear Karis,
I feel your anger & frustration at our ignorance as human beings. I understand completely, I too have been infuriated by the many prejudices we have developed, we have much to learn and much healing to do.
I wanted to comment on something you said - you said you can't change the dictionary or millions of people or anything - but you did change yourself. I say you can change whatever it is you are meant to change, no matter how big or how small, it may not be the dictionary & it may not be physically reaching millions of people - it may be simply changing yourself & your environment and to me your choice to change has helped to heal our planet. In so many ways the earth is within you, & the love you show yourself is the love you show the earth. The changes you make within yourself effect all those that are around you. Blessed by your journey.
Love,
Angelah Oba
To Shortyc Karis | Nov 10th, 2001
I know what you mean...I fully support the celebration of our differences (that's what makes it worth living), but I still can't say I like the words black and white when used for people's appearance. Angelah..thank you, that's lovely ;)
Beautifully Put Shani Smyth | Nov 24th, 2001
Thank you for speaking out on this issue. Too often people are categorized because of their physical appearance, and there is not enough action taken against this. I will be the first to admit that we, as a human species, in most parts of the world have evolved a long way away from this concept, yet it still happens. All the different "races" of this world have felt some form of discrimination, and it is time to start respecting, even if not completely cool with, people whom we deem different. Lovely article Karis, lovely.
Root of the problem? Anthony Black | Oct 22nd, 2002
I feel that many people comment opon racism as though it is as prominent as it was 50 years go. I dont agree with that, as if you couldnt already tell from my tone.
Simply put, racism would not exist if it were not for the differences between humans in the first place. These differences exist, and many do not give them a second thought. But many minorities celebrate their differences in "pride parades" and "appreciation months". Almost screaming "Im different, and proud of it. Accept me". And in reply, I say : "I already have accepted you. A long time ago in fact. But now you're just being a dick about it."
another root of the problem pike | Jul 24th, 2003
i have to disagree with Daddys Little Madman. i don't think a system of oppression and violence necessarily takes root when people are different from each other.
and many of the "differences" are noticed... and many are also constructed from biased assumptions and bigotry. differences such as - Latin Americans have more rhythm, Native people are usually drunk, White people are more rational and harder workers. these are MYTHS.
which differences are you refering to, DLM? i am curious. i think that our similarities - such as our common needs for shelter, food, love, and security - are much more significant, especially since the majority of the world's peoples are not able to meet these needs. This inequality is maintained by oppressive social systems such as racism, sexism, and classism, among others.
"minorities" celebrate their difference because for centuries they have been devalued and beaten down for their "difference." why not support and join in the fun? and celebrate our diversity? for me, that would be a true sign of acceptance.
Celebrate ! Jayaspery Padayache | Sep 5th, 2003
I am a South African (East Indian).I have lived my whole life in a system where your life is dictated by the color of your skin.
I agree with "pike".What it all boils down to is a sense of morality and mentality.No matter what society dictates or the law enforces,we as human beings need to take stock of what's inside and not be judgemental towards anybody else's convictions.No one person can percieve what drives another persons opinions,therefore to concieve a conclusion based on one person's thoughts ,can only help others to open or enhance or challenge their way of thinking and life,which is usually based on one's own life experiences and challenges faced.I have travelled to a few countries abroad,marvelled at the different cultures and traditions and never noticed that I was of color at any given time.I saw through the windows of my soul,and felt with my heart and came back home all the richer in mind and spirit.Stronger than ever to face the daily challenges in a country where one could have easily been crippled mentally and emotionally by the run of the country.I have been fortunate to say the least to understand this and yet I cannot understand why is it there are more people in conflict rather than Celebration of differances ,this world will indeed be made a better place of all to live in
Vanakum (Greetings in Tamil)
Jayaspery.
Unity Through Diversity Adam Fletcher | Oct 18th, 2003
Karis, when I read people's arguements against racial identity, I always stop to wonder what is in it for them. By denying the prevelance and necessity of identifying oneself by race, are we perpetuating racism ourselves? For instance, the situation you detailed above might have made any white person uncomfortable. Your response is to deny others their racial identification, instead of acknowledging your own complicity as a racist. And that's what we are, as white people: racial supremists who believe that our skin color makes us who we are. That said, white people have spent the better part of 600 years colonizing the world, and in the process of that we have spread our penchant for racial supremacy. That's where your comment about 'entrenched racism' came from, right? Well, lemme ask you this: If we white folks imposed the racial identification system onto the world, is it our job then to "take it back," so to speak? When we've so thoroughly engrained racism into the minds of the world, should we, in a sense of 'noblese oblige,' eradicate it from our presence?
I don't think we can, and I don't think we should.
How you choose to idenitify yourself is your business, but after 100s of years of racial brainwashing, I think it would behoove white people to just keep our ideas about racial identity to ourselves, and to learn something from others for once.
For ideas about what young people are doing to fight racism, visit http://freechild.org/racism.htm
Keep hope alive Karis.
- Adam
Unity through Complexity Liliana Uruburo | Apr 18th, 2008
I don't think the problem is using black or white. I think the problem comes from being reduced to JUST black or white. The comments refer to diversity and variety. Black and white can be part of our identity as long as someone else doesn't impose it upon you or reduce you to that one aspect. I agree with the comments that we shouldn't just ignore it. We should encourage the dialogue that breaks down the stereotypes and makes more people realize that our similarities make us all humans and our differences makes us all individuals and that every person is more than just a category. Its interesting how ethnicity is becoming more and more important. Its as if society is coming to the understanding that race, black and white, are just too simple, so we are turning to ethnicity as a way to comprehend the groups in our societies. But this has its own drawbacks which I won't go into now.
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