Race and Racism
Race and racism, what are the problems, and do they really exist detached? Are they abstract terms? Terms evolved to justify achievement of ends without requisite self-development toward achievement? Achievement of desired ends through legitimate, self-determinate, means is much more desirable. Racism is defined as: 1“The notion that one’s own ethnic stock is superior.” The definitions of race are much more extensive. This notion of superiority is not confined to race. It is the underlying idea or principle behind all competition.
Affinity for One’s Own Race
I posit that the majority composition of all races have an affinity or preference for their own race! One might, at the very real risk of violating biblical principles, call it “racial pride.” Beyond that, they have an observable hierarchy of preference for the other races. On that basis, I believe that “racism” is a natural state or condition of all races that no amount of “social engineering” by government or other entities is going to erase beyond accommodation and discriminating adjustment. This position has developed over many years of observation and experience in many social, educational, and work environments. One particular race appears, always, to be viewed as occupying the bottom of the hierarchy over a broad range of criteria. Positions within the hierarchy, for all other races, have changed over time.
Throughout history, it seems, certain racial characteristics are observable in those races that, as a whole, have not been able to advance their standing except through promotion by races higher on the hierarchy. Small groups, or populations, of these races have benefited most from those promotional endeavors. However, those benefitting populations retain a level of chaos and failure to develop a favorable cultural standing. The observed behavioral characteristics of each of the races have been expressed or portrayed through recognized caricature or satire. As hurtful, abrasive, and objectionable as stereotypes can be, they’re often times firmly rooted in historical observations and truth.
1The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language; William Morris, Editor; Published by: Houghton Mifflin Company. Copyright 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, 1976.
The above article, “Race and Racism Reality,” was first published by Donald McElyea on June 10, 2015, on his website, http://www.ihaveheard.com.