Google the word “racism,” and you will find many things. One thing is that racism is taught and learned. It does not come naturally. Small children will play with each other and not care what color their skin is.
Another thing is that racism is a choice. Once you are educated about racism, it is up to the individual whether to participate in it. People should be applauded who move beyond demeaning each other and instead show respect for one another and where they came from.
I believe many things that are called racism are more a matter of respect, or lack of it. In many situations where people are turned away, it is because they have no respect for the law, other people or their property, authority and even life.
There will always be racism as long as we teach the next generation to hate someone because of color, nationality, religion or anything else that makes us different from each other.
Tom Swope
Kansas City
Comments