To start, what is racism? Simply put, racism is prejudice or discrimination against other races from an individual or group. In this day and age, racism manifests itself in the form of racist jokes, slurs, making fun of another race by pointing out their differences and reinforcing stereotypes, among others. 

You might ask, after 66 years of independence: ‘Haven’t we moved past that?’… ‘Why is racism a thing anymore?’… Or ‘Can’t we stop racism?’. The fact is, racism is still very much alive.

Let’s be clear – racism is not okay in any way. Whether you realise it or not, it has consequences, not only for you but for everyone around you. For instance, racist beliefs could eventually lead to bullying and other social issues. Studies show that people experiencing consistent racist behaviour can go on to suffer mental health disorders, alcohol use and misuse, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Cyberbullying in the form of hate speech is also on the rise, with over 100% increase in cases reported to the MCMC between the years 2019-2020. In more extreme cases, as history has proven, racist behaviour can even lead to riots and social unrest.

So what causes a person to become racist? 

Historians and anthropologists point to mankind’s long history of slavery and eugenics as the root of the issue. The practices of colonialism and feudalism encouraged various forms of slavery – most notably, the ownership of black slaves by white plantation owners. From there, the notion of black people being inferior to white people spread. The rise of Adolf Hitler in Europe also showcased how the belief in “superior” and “inferior” races could lead to the horrific genocide of an entire community.

In modern times, racism spreads mainly from ignorance. As communities become more and more self-absorbed within their gadgets, it becomes harder to form meaningful relationships with others from different backgrounds and beliefs. Racist ideas become easier to believe because there is less opportunity for people to meet others and for those ideas to be disputed.

Let’s not forget how social media plays its part in spreading racism. With the increasing dominance of Influencers, followers can be more easily influenced into believing (and behaving) in ways they may not have on their own, all for the sake of being accepted into part of the influencer’s community. Poor role models who insist they are not behaving in an insulting manner can encourage their followers to believe that certain racist actions or words are acceptable, even when facts prove they are not. 

To make matters worse, racist behaviour is increasingly being observed among younger children too. Like sponges, children absorb the behaviours they see around them, adapt, and possibly someday, reflect what they see. If irresponsible adults and teenagers repeatedly display racist attitudes in their households, over time, the younger members will cease to realise that these behaviours are wrong and unacceptable.

So how can we overcome the racism we see happening around us? 

In recent years, more and more attention and media space is being granted to the deplorable words and actions of racists. Far too little focus is being given to the positive work of those who are trying to counter it.

The most effective of these solutions is to raise awareness. First and foremost, realising that the words you have used and things you have done that may have unknowingly been racist. Speak to people of other races and ask them how they feel about it. Educate yourself about racism, analyse its effects on others, and consciously work towards being part of the solution.

Subsequently, share your findings with your family and friends, assisting them as you share, explain, and become a good example for others to follow. Stopping racism starts with you and me. Perhaps in our generation, we can finally see the end of it.

Sharifah Alya binti Syed Muhammad Ssabri