Unfortunately, for many people, the conversation of racism is one that they would rather not broach, let alone admit that the tin veil that separates racism from modern society is one that is not afforded to every person. For those individuals, the severity of the topic has made it taboo to even speak about, which understandably may come from a well-intended, yet incorrect, position of trying simply not to offend anyone. Though by treading too lightly, the ability to move forward beyond antiquated views of race and ethnicity is severely hampered by people’s unwillingness to realistically have a dialogue about racism.
For many, choosing to not face up to it or acknowledge it, makes it less problematic, though that only lasts as long as one can keep their eyes averted from injustice. Though well-intended, this stance only causes more harm to those facing the very real threat of discrimination and violence simply based upon their appearance.
Denying this reality that many people within the UK regularly face while not in itself racist, allows those behaviours and attitudes to persist.
Good Intentions are not a suitable replacement for positive actions
Though this isn’t to say that most people knowingly choose to ignore the devastating effects of racism, the average person is quite aware of the dangers posed by racist attitudes and behaviours, and certainly would not willingly allow one of the most dangerous and unsightly marks against our society to continue by their own hand.
Rather, for those individuals, they are unable to see the true result of their actions, either by not being close enough to the problem or through simple ignorance.
This is where the importance of having an open dialogue about racism and its effects felt across communities comes directly into play. By not being aware of how actions are perceived or what actually results from certain actions, the problem will only continue. Though if the stigma of bringing race into our collective conversation is allowed to persist, this will be impossible.
Real consequences and very real danger
Unfortunately, denying the very real role racism plays in many interactions for many people across the world, the consequences of racism are allowed to persist.
Without a doubt, and without exaggeration, the consequences of racism are quite dangerous, beyond discrimination, the very real threat of death and harm accompanies racist attitudes and actions.
This has been made more apparent as our neighbours across the pond are mired in violence and deaths caused by the subtle, and not so subtle at times, racism that has been allowed to grow with their infrastructural systems.
Though the danger is not simply limited to just one section of society within the United States, the recent spate of crimes committed across Europe against migrants and locals of a different ethnicity has brought the dangers right to our doorsteps.
Moving forward together
It is rather easy to simply point to a problem, especially one that is as evident as racism, though finding a solution is not quite as simple to find.
When matters of ethnicity and racism are concerned, it seems a simple solution is not a possibility. Certainly it would be amazing if everyone was able to look beyond superficial identities of race and ethnicity, though easy and simple enough, but unfortunately due to a myriad of century old problems, that will not be happening at any point in the near future.
So how do we move forward, tackling this problem so that future generations are not faced with cleaning up after our antiquated views on race? Unfortunately there is no easy answer.
To combat racist ideas and effectively remove the stain of racism from the fabric of a better society we first need to have an open an honest dialogue about racism.
By bringing everyone together to actually talk about racism and the more subtle ways it rears its head, we can finally begin to work out the solution. It is only through exposing the plights and educating people of the very real effects racism has, while shining a light on the true extent and pervasiveness of the problem, can we take the first steps towards completely eliminating racism from our society.
Though the day when people are no longer judged by the colour of their skin, unfortunately, is still quite a ways off, by being able to open up the conversation to tackling racism, we can take the first steps towards those days. Though when that dialogue is finally begun, we will need to move forward with tact and the vision of a better society in mind.
Until then we have to face racism where it stands and do our best to educate while not allowing harm to befall on others simply because of their skin tone or cultural history.