What are the main reasons of racism?
I have never been subjected to racism to date here, there, everywhere - probably because I am the best looking guy around.
Why is it that I have never looked down on another person.
In fact when I see a Chinese, Indian, Malay, African, Aboriginal, etc, etc being subjected to racism I try to find out why.
One recent example also given in the forum is of the Yindian student in Waterloo.
The reasons usually are as follows from a website.
These reasons seem to apply to all those here. lol
Rusch H. The evolutionary interplay of intergroup conflict and altruism in humans: A review of parochial altruism theory and prospects for its extension. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2014;281(1794). doi:10.1098/rspb.2014.1539
Consequently, after finding a group, members of the group may start to alienate non-group members. Sometimes, hostility arises toward those people who have been alienated.
While in a clique, people tend to think and behave more like the people they surround themselves with. It becomes much easier to attack others when you're among people who share the same viewpoint.
Racism comes in when groups are formed based on characteristics like race, bolstered by beliefs of superiority, and supported by systems of oppression.
Consider, for example, television segments asking viewers to donate to causes that support food security for families in Africa. These messages may be easier for a person to dismiss if they don't identify with the group or culture in need. This dismissal may or may not be overt racism, but it begins with a lack of empathy.
But it's important to recognize that racist beliefs and actions are certainly not limited to people with mental health disorders.
I have never been subjected to racism to date here, there, everywhere - probably because I am the best looking guy around.
Why is it that I have never looked down on another person.
In fact when I see a Chinese, Indian, Malay, African, Aboriginal, etc, etc being subjected to racism I try to find out why.
One recent example also given in the forum is of the Yindian student in Waterloo.
The reasons usually are as follows from a website.
These reasons seem to apply to all those here. lol
Explanations for Racism
As more attention is being given to the racism ingrained in our society, many more people are seeking explanations for it. Is it survival of the fittest, or a psychological defense mechanism to help people identify with a primary group and feel more secure? Below is a list of possible psychological explanations for why racism exists.1. Personal Insecurity
It's true that those who lack an identity and struggle with insecurity may seek group membership.Rusch H. The evolutionary interplay of intergroup conflict and altruism in humans: A review of parochial altruism theory and prospects for its extension. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2014;281(1794). doi:10.1098/rspb.2014.1539
Consequently, after finding a group, members of the group may start to alienate non-group members. Sometimes, hostility arises toward those people who have been alienated.
While in a clique, people tend to think and behave more like the people they surround themselves with. It becomes much easier to attack others when you're among people who share the same viewpoint.
Racism comes in when groups are formed based on characteristics like race, bolstered by beliefs of superiority, and supported by systems of oppression.
2. Lack of Compassion
Alienation of others eventually leads to less compassion for those who have been ostracized. People begin to only show compassion and empathy for those they regularly associate with.Consider, for example, television segments asking viewers to donate to causes that support food security for families in Africa. These messages may be easier for a person to dismiss if they don't identify with the group or culture in need. This dismissal may or may not be overt racism, but it begins with a lack of empathy.
3. Projection of Flaws
When people feel bad about themselves or recognize their shortcomings, instead of dealing with them and trying to fix them, they may project their self-loathing onto others. Alienated groups can easily become scapegoats for those who ignore their own personal flaws.4. Poor Mental Health
Is racism a sign of poor mental health? Not necessarily, but it can be. For example, paranoid personality disorder and narcissism are both mental health disorders that are characterized in part by feelings of insecurity, which may make a person more likely to hold racist beliefs or engage in racist behaviors.But it's important to recognize that racist beliefs and actions are certainly not limited to people with mental health disorders.
5. Hatred and Fear
Extreme hatred is almost always based on fear. People may feel threatened by people they view as "different" or "foreign." They may fear losing power. To combat this fear, some people may seek social support from others with similar fears, perpetuating the cycle.
Last edited: