Racism

The world is faced with what historians and social anarchists say is historically specific and materially caused phenomenon, the greatest oppressor to ever affect man - racism. Every person on earth lives around it, breaths it, advocates it… the phenomenon continues? What will be of our planet…?

But what really is racism?

The English dictionary defines racism as the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. When a group, thinks they are superior to another and start discriminating against them it is termed: racism. Racism inherently starts with the assumption that there are taxonomic differences between different groups of people. With this assumption, irrational responses by the ‘superior’ group, by violent actions and hateful attitudes to the ‘inferior’ group. It has caused a lot of segregation movements and for people to think less of themselves; they usually end up organizing "themselves separately from the superior” in order to defend themselves and to protect their interests.

History Of Racism

Racism has been around for ages, about 7 centuries according to books. It all started with capitalism, and its use of slaves to create a new, ‘better’ world. This would justify western domination across the planet. It was during the slave era that racism was clearly evident in people’s lives. In the beginning of slavery, there were both black and white slaves; shockingly, more white. But when the slave trade from Africa to America and Britain began, everything changed. Slave trading came as a shock to everyone at first, opposing to every conception of society. The rich and powerful people needed a way or truth to justify their actions and that was to divide people into the colour of their skin and so from there, it was decided that black people were inferior. White slaves were then later set free. So this most appalling and inhuman treatment of color people revolutionized so that the material wealth would have its way and rise.

Interview Apartheid

One of Senzangakhona’s members, Minenhle, managed to interview an elder in a local township (also called a loxion) or a ghetto as some people may know. Mrs. Nxumalo, who lived most of her life under the apartheid regime, was glad to share her opinion…

Minenhle: How does the new democratic South Africa contrast from the world you lived in, just a few decades back?
Mrs. Nxumalo: For me, the major difference has been the issue of crime, I remember, while we weren’t allowed to go out at night, we didn’t live, in fear of these tsotsi’s (Zulu word for thieves). I’m happy for the current generation, of the youth because they can live in multi-racial environments.
Minenhle: Have you been able to move forward, positively with your life after the struggle?
Mrs. Nxumalo: Yes, I have. I found myself a better job and my children have bright futures ahead of them. Even though at times the memories and pain flash back, I have made piece with myself and others.