On racism

In recent times, Nigerians were reminded about the xenophobia attack in Johannesburg that happened in September targeting foreign nationals from the rest of Africa, most especially Nigerians. This riot led to the death of at least seven people at first. Nigerians were grossed and started to speak out that it did not make logical sense that Africans should be killing one another. The motto was and is a united Africa.

A question that must be answered is what is the cause of xenophobia? The answer is racism. Other factors could be relative deprivation, specifically intense competition for jobs, commodities and housing. Group processes including psychological categorization processes that are nationalistic rather than super ordinate. Another reason could be South African exceptionalism or a feeling of superiority in relation to other Africans.

To eradicate a global epidemic, one must first try to understand it. Even while it may seem an impossible task, when it comes to racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry, it may be necessary if we are to be successful in the fight against hate. Psychologist and sociologist have been trying to understand the psychology behind this type of hate for decades. While no singular cause has been identified, most theorists agree that there are consistent factors which may help explain the epistemology of racism.

So far, we have seen some of the effects of bigotry and a little insight on what causes racism. The real question is why do racists feel this way? Psychologists believe that the following factors are responsible: fear-attitudes of extreme hatred are usually based in fear; they result from primitive survival mechanism; instinct to avoid danger, they fear anything that appears to be different.

When one race or group feels fear that their own level of security, importance or control is being threatened by a different race or group, they will unconsciously develop these defensive thoughts and behaviors.

Examining your own biases can help us work to ensure equality for all. Lastly, challenge the “colorblind” ideology. It is a pervasive myth that we live in a “post racial” society where people “don’t see color”. Perpetuating a “colorblind” ideology actually contribute to racism. It is impossible to eliminate racism without first acknowledging race. “Colorblind” ignores a significant part of a person’s identity and dismisses the real injustices that many people face as a result of race. We must see color in order to work together for equity and equality.

Dolapo Bankole

Ilisan