Rasicm

Racism can be defined by the formula prejudice + power = racism.

Racism is when racial prejudice is turned into action that harms

others. Racism is the belief that one race of people is superior to

another because of their colour or race. Racism is simply based on the

colour of a person's skin. Racism is destructive and it disembowels

people by shattering their identity. It destroys community cohesion

and creates divisions in society. It is the opposite of the democratic

principle of equality and the right of all people to be treated

fairly. Racism is an enormous problem in society today; it is causing

much conflict in many parts of the world.

The origin of racism originated in the 18th century when Africans were

sold in the slave trade, not because they were being prejudiced

against, but because the merchants wanted to make a profit. But as

economic profit was being made it became common to think of white

people as more superior. This view then turned into beliefs, a system

that justified slavery and the buildings of empires. When the British

had power of countries such as India and Africa they argued that it

was for a dignified cause, "white supremacy was necessary for human

progress"

Racism has deeply embedded itself into our culture, frustrations with

difficulties in life such as unemployment, lower wages, crime and lack

of affordable housing is often taken out on the minority ethnic

groups. Racism becomes more widespread when times are hard; it is

often easier to blame people of other races than to work out why

inequality and discrimination exist and how to get rid of them.

Europe has increasingly been experiencing a more racist attitude and

xenophobia: an irrational hatred for foreigners. Britain has one the

highest rates of racial violence in Europe, and there is an increased

belief that it is rising. It is estimated that there are 140,0002

racist attacks in Britain every year purely due to the colour of

someone's skin. Many of these attacks were not reported to the police.

The reported racist attacks rose 107%3 in 2000. Beatings, firebombing,

and excrement pushed through letterboxes, are just some of the actions

that having a