Is Racism Real?

What is racism? Webster’s dictionary states that racism involves the belief in racial differences, which acts as a justification for non-equal treatment of members of that race. The term is commonly used negatively and is usually associated with race-based prejudice, violence, dislike, discrimination, or oppression.

Racism is also the belief that human races have distinctive characteristics, which determine their respective cultures. It usually involves the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others, which is why many say that a member of a minority race cannot be racist because they lack the ability to dominate.

But, it is time for us to take a serious look at our own views, and how we perceive others. We can all fall victim to racism, regardless of the color of our skin. We can find ourselves fearing those things that appear to be different. What becomes even more dangerous is when we try to justify our right for feeling anger or hatred towards another person simply because of their race.

Intellectually we know that racism is a human invention. With God there is no race, social status or gender. We are all equal. Unlike when people do not hire us because of the color of our skin, Christ offers everyone the opportunity to have a relationship with God.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

By Wanda