Racism

 

Social problems have always existed since the beginning of the world. Racism is one of the biggest of these problems since it showed up in the 18th century. Racism, as a definition, is the exclusion of people of different races, colors, religions, and origins from society. For example, people have been separated into groups of white, black, yellow, etc. Actually, it is not even true. Because no one can be exactly 'white' or 'black'. So, these terms have social meanings, but do not have biological meanings. (Garner, 2010, p.3). Racism is being commented on as a negative situation by society. Malcolm X said that about racism, ''Racism is not an ideological idea, conversely, it is a psychological sickness.''¹ Despite this, it has been still continuing. People and governments must prevent it in society. As an extreme form of discrimination, practices against racism are one of the priority issues of social work. In this article you will see some solutions against racism. In this article, solutions will be examined in two headings. Society can fight against racism with education and rules-laws.

 

The first title is anti-racist education or multicultural education, that is, the fight against racism through education. It is one of the most important tools against racism. Education is significant for the peace of society to teach the children that everyone is equal no matter what their color, religion, or race. In multinational states, (like the United States of America) every child must have the same rights to reach education. Different cultures should be in the same classroom so children can understand that they are the same. Also, parents and teachers should be educated on these issues. Teachers should be able to manage these differences. In addition to all this, governments must do something that encourages equality in education. For example, budgets must be adjusted to ensure equality. If any government does not take anti-racist education seriously, they are actually promoting a racist education. (Sleeter-McLaren, 2009, p.10)

The second way to fight against racism is through laws and rules. Law is a set of rules that are created to regulate behavior. Laws ensure peace and security in a country. However, sometimes discrimination occurs in the administration of justice. This situation causes significant harm to individuals and society. It also creates a troubled future. Members of racial, ethnic, and other minorities are exposed to arbitrary treatment. These treatments are completely opposite to those applied to the majority. The truly brutal treatments even cause death. (‘’Racism and the Administration of Justice’’, 2007) The rights of members of racial, ethnic, and other minorities must be guaranteed. Sanctions should be effective and rules are equal to everyone, no matter what their skin color, religion, or race. In this way, social peace can be ensured and a better world can be built for future generations. ( ECRI General Policy Recommendation No.10, 2006)

 

             In summary, racism is still a problem in today's world. People see some news on television or in papers about racism and they mostly hate to see it. Even if a large part of the public is against racism, it does not end completely. There can still be racist people in societies. To end this completely, we must fight first individually and then as a society in the aforementioned and other ways. The disappearance of racism and diversity will make the world much more peaceful and freer. Like Pierre Berton said, “Racism is a refuge for the ignorant. It seeks to divide and to destroy. It is the enemy of freedom, and deserves to be met head-on and stamped out.”²

 

Notes

1.      Ölümünün 53. yılında Malcolm X'in hafızalara kazınan 15 sözü - Son Dakika Dünya Haberleri | NTV Haber

2.      https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7225942

References

 

·              Garner, Steve (2010). Racisms an introduction. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. p. 1-35.

·              McLaren, Peter - Sleeter, Christine. ‘’ Taking Multicultural, Anti-Racist Education Seriously’’. Rethinking Multicultural Education. ed. Wayne AU. Milwaukee: A Rethinking Schools Publication. p. 9-21

·               Human Rights Watch. Racism and the Administration of Justice. 2007. Racism and Human Rights: Racism and the Administration of Justice (hrw.org)

·               European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). ECRI General Policy Recommendation No.10. 21/3/2007. 16808b5ad5 (coe.int)