Basic HTML Version
2 I The Best Online Education System in the world
RACISM AGAINST ONE OWN RACE
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Although we may not directly admit it, many of us are racists. One way or another, we all have demonstrated a
kind of racism that speaks of our inability to accept the race that we belong to.
In my country alone, there has always been brisk business for manufacturers of whitening lotions, creams, and
various other products. Apparently, the race to become fairer has really gone faster. What’s more, influences
from many progressive countries has necessitated that the natives in our country suddenly sprout blond hair
with black or dark brown roots, depending on the skills of hair colorists.
We do not want to be caught with gadgets that are locally made because of the belief that they are inferior in
quality. We are lucky to have a mobile device maker who dared to fight it out with the larger mobile
manufacturers around the world. However, only yesterday, my daughter in 7th grade told me about how one of
their classmates tried to hide her mobile phone from the rest of the class simply because it was made locally.
See, even our own kids already have a concept of racism. Unfortunately, that concept seems to be directed
against our own.
As parents, we have the implicit responsibility to help our children find pride in the race they were born into.
Of course, this does not mean that we should also teach them to look down or look too highly to other races.
We should try to teach them to respect the citizens of other countries because we have all been created equal
in our Creator’s eyes. There are no superior or inferior people just as there should never be better or worse
individuals than us.
We all enjoy the same privileges in this world. We are all responsible for our fellowmen. We need to teach our
children that what is essential for survival in this world doesn’t entail looking down on our fellowmen just
because of the very color of their skin.
Admittedly, in my own case, racism has sorely been directed against my own race, too. It could only be called
colonial mentality then. I don’t particularly relish watching movies made by local filmmakers because their
plots are too predictable and they all have the same stories. It seems that when a certain genre proves to be
successful in the tills, movie makers decide that whatever they churn out in the same context will always make
money. Of course, there are some very good creations both on TV and in the movies from local entertainment
producers. But those are few and far between, I’m afraid.
I really must work on my patriotism to overcome my racism against my own race. Talk about being ironic, huh?
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Define colonial mentality. How is it a form of racism?
2.
Why is it so easy to judge people because of the color of their skin or the language they have?
3.
How can we overcome racism? Is it worth fighting against?
4.
If people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King hadn’t fought for civil liberty and racial equality, what do
you think the situation would be today?
5.
What are the harmful effects of racism to society and the world at large? Elaborate on your answer.