~Lets Reunite to fight against RACIAL DISCRIMINATION~

The CC team is back with yet another thought provoking discussion thread. This time we are discussing discrimination, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.

Racial discrimination is described as the act of discriminating a person on racial grounds which include, race, skin colour, nationality or ethnic origins. To discriminate means to receive less favourable treatment compared to another individual which is considered unlawful under several legal acts.

Discrimination against minority groups in society has existed for many decades but compared to the 1800s, we have come a long way. The barriers and disadvantages still remain, but to some extent the negative attitudes have declined. We see the proof of this in the multicultural societies in many developed countries.

 

We know it is wrong! We know it is unethical! We know it is unlawful! Yet it happens every day in front of our eyes in many different ways. And the million dollar question is why? why does racial discrimination still exist in the 21st century?

 

 

 

Nabila: Though the world went through industrial revolution, the human mindset has not evolved much. The basic moral values glorify that past where certain people ruled over others and we feel empowered by that. We believe we have been and always will be rulers, whether the world has turned democratic is a thing of small consideration.

 

 

 

US statistics across the past decade dictate that 35% or more of the total charges made against discrimination are race related charges

A study revealed that Black African suspects stand a higher chance of being arrested than White Africans. Also, they are six times more likely to receive longer prison sentences than White Africans.

Over 50% of respondents of a New Zealand based study revealed "race, skin color and ethnicity" as a reason for the discrimination they experienced.

Over 35% of people claim their experience racial discrimination in public places or in employment

Nearly 88,000 racist incidents were reported in Britain's schools during 2007 and 2011. Many argue that the increase in racism is down to the growth of racial-phobia which is now filtering into classrooms.

Statistics reveal that in some regions, Whites earn more annual earnings than African American.

 

We hear stories about racism in the news, read about the statistics and sometimes even witness it happening to others. Yet we choose to turn a blind eye and walk away from it, we take the matter very lightly, ignoring the seriousness of the matter until one day we are in the victim's shoes, facing discrimination against our race and skin colour. Have you ever witnessed/experienced racial discrimination?

Chanel: A couple of years ago our family was on the bus when some old guy found it hilarious to exclaim "I hate Indian's. I hate them all!"

 

 

Hina: I heard my parents discussing someone who eloped with a girl belonging to a lower caste because society would not accept them as a couple.

In today's world, one does not necessarily have to make a racist comment towards another person to be classed as a racist; one's actions speak louder than words. So how do we eliminate this kind of behaviour from our society and ensure equality is established across the globe?

 

Shivangi: Educating every strata of society equally.

Yuvika: I agree with Tanu. We need to target the young generation so that the future is not like our present. Today's young generation will grow up to becoming our future, so if we want racial discrimination eliminated from society in the future we need to ensure we take our future (young generation) into our own hands and mould it in the correct way.

 

Khushi: To be honest, I do not think it can be eradicated. There will ALWAYS be that minority group who will label it as an "opinion" and refuse to see past their point of view.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21st March and is a reminder of the negative consequences of racial discrimination.

 

 

As a result, the apartheid system in South Africa as well as many racist laws have been abolished in many countries. This is a positive outcome, however the battle for the elimination of racism from society is not over yet as people across many countries and regions still experience racial discrimination.

 

Thank you CCs for raising the issue of racism...  I live in the UK I have seen and suffered racism 1st hand, it's not pleasant to see how ethnic minorities are treated by some... it exists in all walks of society some hidden others blatant in your face...