Racism in the 21st Century
The first recorded act of racism was between satan and prophet Adam .When Allah asked him what prevented him from bowing down even after God's order, he replied that I was created from fire and I was superior to him.So it was the beginning of racisim.
Definition
Division of human beings on the basis of caste,colour and creed is known as racism.Its a global phenomenon.Its more obvious since 16th century.
According to the CRT theorists racisim is not natural phenomenon. It is socially constructed.Well you all have right to agree or disagree with their findings.
Age of Imperialism
Racism was more strengthened by European imperialism which started in 1760.At that time European engaged in industrialising nations,colonising and annexing the other parts of the world.
It is the era between 1881 and 1914.The biggest event of this period is Scramble of Africa which is slso known as division of Africa.The 10 percent of Africa was in possession of European powers in 1870 but after Imperialism 90% of it was under control of European colonial powers which were Germany,France,Spain Italy Britian,Portugal and Belgium. Only Ethiopia and Liberia remained independent.
European got economic benefits by getting cheap raw materials for their industry.Colonies provided excellent market for manufactured products.Great Britain also got profit from Indian subcontinent.
Capitalism is considered as a major contributor in racism. In this system wealth is concentrated in a few hands and they prefer to their profit over social good,environment and natural resources.
Atlantic Slave Trade
Atlantic slave trade included transportation of African slaves by slave traders to America.They were used as labour in coffee,coca,sugar,tobacco,cotton plantation,rice fields,gold and silver mining ,cutting timber for ships and domestic servants.About 12.8 million African shipped to Atlantic over a time of 400 years.
Reconstruction Era
It was the era of 1865 to 1877 inwhich American civil war was fought and resultantly slavery was abolished.
Racism in Pakistani society
Racism is pandemic.Racism is very much deep in the fabric of our society like if you see jokes we use are based on prejudiced attitudes.
Look at WhatsApp group chat or advertisement being aired promoting skin lightening creams which can make you fair within days.It is so ingrained in our minds like when we look for a bride/groom then stardard of beauty is gora chitta or gori chitti _ surkh safaid.This is so bad approach.Thats why these companies are making enormous profits.There is a big divide between upper classs and lower class.Poor is not allowed to sit on chair specially in the interior Sind where feudal system is prevailing.The poor farmers are treated so badly as they have no right to humanity.
Black Lives Matter
BLM is social movement which is anti racist and protesting against police brutality.But their agenda is common with us.We have been the victim of same biased approach of considering someone superior or inferior on basis of caste and colour.Balochistan is the most ignored province even its highly rich in gas and other minerals.It has been the part of Alexander the Great's empire but Balochi and Pashtun are people have victim of unfair treatment.
Racist attitude of West Pakistan underpinned its relationship with East Pakistan and responce to Mujibur Rehman's 1970 election victory which resulted in debacle of East Pakistan.
Ethnic discrimination
It is very obvious in our country.Punjabi community is very strong and dominant than others.This behaviour has historical precedent of British rule and still continue to shape our political dynamics as well.The one who is rich and lived in big bungalow gets more respect in society.The poor gets neglected.Poverty is curse as he fails to get basis facilities.Its not modern phenomenon its centuries old.Let me quote here an example from ancient to it more clear.Ham was one of 3 sons of Hazrat Noah,his skin color was black.He was cursed for it.
Levels of Racism
Racism is not only an individual ideology but an entire system of behaviours, ideas, practices, conditions, structures, policies and processes that maintain racial advantage.
- Individual racism is personal prejudice and unconsciously shapes behaviour,belief and decisions.
- Systematic racism perpetuates avoidable and unfair inequalities through policies and protocols that sets up unfair playing ground.
- Everyday racism is based on our daily interactions with people,service and system.It may intentional or unintentional.
A scholarly exposition of the evils of racism. It comes in various forms. Colour is just one. Ethnicity is another. In India the caste system is another form of racism and it includes untouchability against which the leader of scheduled caste Dr Ambedkar fought. As a result the so called low caste have reservation in admission to schools, getting government jobs, etc. there is a law against anyone mocking or passing lewd remarks on the low caste people, which includes imprisonment.
ReplyDeleteIn US the problem is severe and leaders like Dr Martin Luther King Jr fought against segregation and Devilal of rights. Even recently the George Floyd killing by a policeman led to riots across US and gave rise to the slogan Black Lives Matter.
It is not easy to root out this evil. But everyone must do his best to give equal treatment to all human beings irrespective of religion, ethnicity, colour or economic status.