Racism is driven by a belief system that the other, be it other humans, other life, or other systems, are a threat somehow.

People are born with an inherent flight or fight response. They readily identify friend or foe, and this is added too greatly by societal confirmation. People fear what they do not know. Life is just many interactive relationships, and people do not always know how to teach cooperation to optimize relations.

Belonging and sustaining life requires people to maintain a sense of belonging. A sense of needing to oppress, exploit, or find personal gain at the sacrifice of any others, be they human, forest, other creatures or systems, leads to alienating the other, and finding it to be “impure” or lacking in some way. There is just one human race, but racism is very real, as is other exploitation.

All social injustice comes from first of all a sense that one is more entitled than the “other.” And second comes a rejection of that other. People chosen to be in the elite are thus elevated. With great insecurity, loss, and guilt (often unconscious) they set about finding ways to disenfranchise the other which has little, or no value to the elite. In the case of earth, the elite wrongly assumes they should be master and conquer, thus continuing and justifying every form of oppression.

Human exploitation of nature, and others, is taught to people who ought to, but may not, know any better. The idea of being in control and “developing” nature, being at the top, and ruling others, happened by degrees. The idea of inherent superiority changed from scriptural, to being justified by science! History suggests that such heedless domination is built upon human insecurity.

In the modern world, people who are raised around hate and violence are often cynical about the value of life, as they see it degraded all around them. In this kind of circumstance, deceit, helplessness, and victim-hood thrive. False promises pertain to wealth, power, success and more by striving for material goods, but they never satisfy for long. Racism and intolerance thrive. Narcissism for self-importance and endless desire to fill unmet needs arise.  People who constantly want a better lover, a better car, house, neighborhood, smart device, or whatever, are not mature about relationships. They are always seeking more, and not satisfied with the here and now. They have not fully found the beauty of life, and they do not feel loved, wanted and needed by the creation, and thus by others.

Racism is caused by ignorance, fear and an inability to recognize the other as kin. To celebrate diversity is the mature solution. To be grateful for all earth’s diversity means humans are more likely to protect and cherish each other. It is healthy, both in human relationships and in the human in the world relationships that depend upon cooperation. When people cultivate trashy, shallow and non sustainable relationships with others, it is reflected in their relationship to the whole world. Being healthy and connected are the best cures for helping people find their authentic selves, and more connected and meaningful relationships.