What is Racism?

In my meditation practice I've had quite a few moments of insight where some things have become very clear. One of these moments revealed to me a bit about the nature of racism. And interestingly, it would seem that this concept applies to vast number of conflicts that plague society today.

A little foam Buddha I found in a drawer!

We've all heard the standard explanation of racism. As defined, a racist person negatively generalizes, prejudges, and or discriminates members of a particular race of people that is not their own; under the false assumption that their own is the superior race.

More recently the word racist has evolved into an umbrella term, encompassing not only those that believe that their race is superior, but also those who believe that other races are fundamentally different to their own for some particular reason or another.

Leaving disparities in definition aside, there is a deeper issue that is not being addressed. This gets right down to the heart of the problem. I believe that most people want to be morally better. For the most part they believe that they are generally already good people. One thing that Vipassana meditation has taught me is that human beings are a mess of incorrect perceptions and ideas. I know that I am no exception to this rule! This is at the absolute core of our misery.

When it comes to racism, there are a lot of variables at play. How does one perceive the world? How does one perceive one's self? How does one's community perceive people of other races and cultures? Was one taught to be cautious of a particular race for one reason or another?

Because of a lifetime of conditioning, most of us are completely unaware that we are stuck in a cycle of prejudiced, discriminatory or antagonistic behavior toward those of a different race or culture. We are quick to blow it off as not a big deal or not really harmful to anyone.

This could manifest in a variety of ways. Maybe something as simple as crossing the road to avoid someone or not making eye contact for fear of trouble. Maybe there is a fear that if one says hello to someone. they will want to scam them or cause trouble. One tells him or herself all kinds of things to justify this behavior based on past experiences.

Perhaps there was an encounter with of a particular racial background before and it didn't turn out well. Maybe it happened more than once! It may be worth revisiting those encounters as a thought experience. Try to see all of the angles. Why did that person behave the way that they did? Why did one react in such a way?

As one begins to methodically work through and reject their wrong ideas and generalizations, they find that some suffering is also eliminated. Not only that, but it is replaced by compassion for the one that they previously hated or feared. This is what meditation if for. Elimination of suffering by seeing things as they really are.

Meditation, when done correctly is a very power tool for deep introspection and self understanding. To truly see what we need to see, we have to not be afraid to look at ourselves. I mean really look deeply. With a calm and quiet mind we can see things in a whole new light, unfiltered by our chaotic thoughts and emotions.

In this way one can really start to see just how much he or she has been on autopilot, completely driven by impulse and blind reaction!