Racism is fear of “otherness.” Racism is an entirely human concept invented for the purpose of blaming, and or subjugating others by the belief that one’s in-group is somehow better, or at least, more familiar. There is only one human race, but people are very prejudiced against others who they deem to be different, and therefore, threatening.

Much like misogyny, or homophobia, racism is founded upon ignorance. Sometimes, this is a willful ignorance, most times it is not. Overt racism is horrible, it once meant slavery, lynching, rape and violence. Yet, in some ways non overt racism, the kind that pretends to respect equality, but does NOT, is just as bad, and sometimes even worse.

This is because racism that is “post racial” in the twenty-first century is a myth. Of course people are still more comfortable with “their own kind”.  People do not comprehend that the human animal is first and foremost a member of the human race, and second of all, they do not even respect that they are members of an even larger bio-diverse planetary community that needs respect and compassion for all life.

The concept of others being blamed for all ills of the world is in itself based on racism, hate and disrespect for diversity. That the human race still tolerates war and such hate does not bode well for our reverence and caring of the earth we share.

Human beings do not always take responsibility for their biology and drives. The need to recognize the other is in our biological evolution, but the need to respect the “other.” is learned. When people know they are limited by biology, they can correct for their prejudice by honoring all deserving of that honor and equality. In other words, people can learn to judge by content of character, not skin color, or national origin.

There is so much racism masked as “patriotism” that it is shameful. The idea, for example that President Barack Hussein Obama is a secret Muslim (and therefore terrorist!) is racist. The idea that he is simultaneously a Kenyon, and a socialist, reflects intolerance of those two non-applicable labels as well.  Most educated people know that he is simply our first MIXED race president, and that he was elected at all should swell hearts with pride, not prejudice.

As the circle of compassion is forever expanded, one has hope for the human race to embrace otherness, diversity, and to socially banish those who treat others of varying color and creed with indifference, hate or even just discrimination.