The Problem of Racism

South Africa and the UK have been in the news for incidents of Racism recently. Herschelle Gibbs, a South African Batsmen, racially abused some Pakistani spectators during the Cricket Match against Pakistan. In the UK, Bollywood Actress Shilpa Shetty was on the recieving end of Racist taunts by some British Stars in the reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother. These two incidents are just a spate of racist incidents that have become almost commonplace in the world of today. The era of Globalization has meant that individuals now are a global citizen, in addition to being the citizen of their own country.

The very factor of Globalization has bought in the societal problem of Racism. The Global Citizen indeed has to face up now to this bitter reality. Racism can arise out of several factors, namely out of Jealousy or in the false pretext of Patriotism or plain simply, to give an atmosphere of Unwelcomness. This Colonial Mindset, notably in the European Countries indeed shows the divide between the West and the East. Racism still exists in the United States also, although it is not as explicit as it was nearly 30-40 years ago. Why is the world now cloaked in a mindset of Irrationality, when we actually are supposed to be living in a Liberal world?

The answer to this is very murky and uncertain. Negative Stereotyping of communities on the basis of colour, caste and race is now indulged casually, which represents a grave danger to social Tranquility. In India, which claims itself to be on the recieving end of the Racist slur in case of Shilpa Shetty, needs to look at its own Racist Culture. In India. not only are the people Casteist, but also Racist. Looking at the treatment that Indians met out to Black Africans, as well as to the Muslims is a reminder that India also indulges in Racism. The treatment of India, towards the Dalits, is an indication that the tentacles of Racism are entrenched even in India as well.

Along with Globalization, Technology has also played its dubious part in promoting Racism. The Internet is the largest mode of communication in the world, and its content is read by millions. Unfortunately, the content on the Internet is blurred between Fact and Propoganda. The Internet represents the platform where in Hate Groups and other Racist elements can dish out their stuff, thus strengthening Racism. The fact that the Internet cannot be policed thoroughly, makes their Job even easier. This is evident from the fact that the most Liberal and technologically advanced country in the world, the USA has more than 5000 Internet Hate and Racist Groups. Also, Certain Methods of Coverage by the Media may have in an indirect way played its part in portraying the community.

The Media, perhaps fighting space and Time constraints, might portray the community in one aspect only. If that aspect turns out to be negative, then that Stereotyping remains and the whole community has to bare the brunt. The scenario post 9/11 and the ensuing War on Terror, along with many other Terrorist incidents, have marginalized the Muslim community world over. Thus, by focusing on this one aspect only, some Irresponsible Tabloid Media outlets end up indirectly promoting Racism. Perhaps, the paranoia and the horrors of 9/11 have resulted in societies in the West shying away from Globalization, and returning to the mode of Isolation.

The Stereotyping of Individuals on the basis of Colour, Caste, Race, Language make us wonder wether there is such a thing called Humanity as well. The natural processes which take place in Nature over the last million years have resulted in diversity among Human beings in all the above factors mentioned. How and Why Racism started will never be known. Right from the time of the Jewish slavery in Egypt till Circa 2007, the factor of Racism has dominated Mankind, and there have been reactions to it which have altered the histotical process. Darwin's theory of 'Survival of the Fittest' has being misinterpreted, and continues even today. Jealousy, False belief of Superiority of one race to another, So-called Patriotism have all given Racism the license to come back. This does not bode well for modern Society, for it is evident that Toleration and assimilation into the mainstream is the way forward. If Racism comes back in the Civilized society, it wont be long before the Dark Ages of Ignorance and Irrationality is ushered back in.