Unethical Self-Focused Discrimination, No. 68
People have done horrendous acts to
each other according to a hierarchy based on culture, religion and skin colour.
The shame of this is measured in the archives, but so much of it is hidden and
the rest will never be known. Massacrers, slavery, torture, rape, hangings and
mutilations present a sad picture of civilisation. Humanity will never fully
flourish while thoughts of superiority simmer in stubborn minds. Cultures have
always valued kings, queens, leaders and warriors; that system of noble to
pauper is imbedded in collective story telling. Ethical leadership is needed,
but corruption and discrimination shows a systemic weakness within. Favouring one
people above all others has never ended well. Making fun of people because they
look different or don’t hold the same beliefs as you is no reason to project
personal hatred. Minorities groups are quickly branded in derogatory terms
because they search for more – an improvement in circumstances.
The foundation of modern racism stems
from an essay by an American natural scientist that categorised humans into
five groups a few decades before the American civil war. The division held
racial and religious tones putting white people (Caucasians) at the top of the
list, followed East Asians (Mongolian), Southeast Asians, Native Americans and
black people (Ethiopians) last. Though completely false and prejudiced, this
paper was used to justify the continuation of slavery. This unethical
self-focused discrimination was used to keep southern states in free labour. The
North found a different view on the value of individual human lives and called
for an end to slavery. This superiority myth is perpetuated to control
populations. Few countries can say they have a history free of slaves, the
written record dates back to 3500 BCE.
Xenophobia surged in times of exploration,
missionary exploits and early trade. Tumultuous conflicts developed when these
travellers dealt with the culture shock of different nations. In these
situations explorers had the opportunity to learn from these meetings,
unfortunately domination and exploitation was often the motive. Arrogance
flares when rulers decide to take advantage of other nations because they feel
superior. The darker side of religion or cultural norms is that it teaches a
superiority that lessens those not inducted. All nations created their home
grown cultures and beliefs, but many adjust to fit with social morality. Purist
groups that do not alter with modern times create a blight of separation and
secrecy that trigger conflict. It is not just a question of black and white;
many nations treat others people as lesser beings.
Judgement on skin colour is out of
place in a rapidly changing world. Those that perpetuate thoughts of
diminishing others because of their differences need help to explore these
falsehoods. In order to grow we have to look at what is taught, what is passed
down and what is believed without any research. When bigoted factions rise
through ignorance; racial discrimination still breathes. It will take a united
conversation to stamp it out. Calling out racial slurs and violent acts towards
individuals in your own community is a starting point. Wars tell us to hate
whole groups of people. Hatful conflict perpetuates revenge. Where does it
stop, how many have to die before the mirror is turned? Can we stop the pecking
order in workplaces, clubs, schools and families? Can we begin to heal? Choosing
equality gives everyone hope. See the person first.
Sharon D Bush
Writer
Historian Artisan Sage
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