Racism - Note in connection with the chapter Rosa Parks Sat Still

Racism; a social evil.

Racism is a social evil. It is the prejudice (partiality) that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races. Those who practice racism believe that they belong to a superior race while others belong to an inferior race. They believe that their race is socially, culturally and ethnically advanced and must therefore be so forever. Racism cultivates the ideology of hatred. It promotes hate crimes and becomes a cause for division among human beings based on their color or bodily features. Racists deny other human beings their right to live on this planet. They separate people from their birth. They also deny people born into other races their right to live. German dictator Adolf Hitler is an infamous racist who caused the death of millions of Jews in the name of racism.

Even in Indian society itself, racism was practiced in different forms. Untouchability and prohibition to enter public places are examples for that. In order to lift people from this sorry plight, social reformers like Ayyankali, Sri Narayana Guru and Chattampiswamikal played significant roles. Gandhiji who came to Kerala in 1925 spoke against the ban on lower caste people to enter Vaikom Temple.

When we talk about the fight against racism we shall not forget the names of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. Their efforts were very helpful in beating the evil of racism. However it still prevails in the world. In this situation let us remind ourselves with the words of Rosa Parks:

“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and hopefully we shall overcome.”