Racism. A term and concept I am still learning about and am trying to get my head around. The more I explore this topic, the more I notice it around me. Racism has become a popular word in a while, and is definitely a major part of many debates. I, myself find debates very interesting, because they not only introduce me to a new perspective, but also enhances my knowledge in that field.
There was a time, when I used to smear talcum powder over my face and run around the house in happiness, claiming my face to be bright and fair. There was another time, when the only thing I cared about was my facial appearance, those were the days when I thought that to be the most important aspect that mattered. I'm glad those days are long gone and my eyes have been opened.
Why is it necessary to be fair? Is being fair by complexion fair in terms of justice? Since when did we start prioritizing our fairness over everything else? Limiting it to ourselves was another story, but judging people by their complexion is just taking it to extremities. We've started to criticize and give recognition to people based on what they look like. The main aim of our lives is to become fair, why?
I roam around the malls here, and I find people with huge amounts of compact and foundation plastered onto their faces. Why...because they want to look fair. I look at commercials and adverts around me where actresses and actors are coated under heaps of makeup and shoot with white lighting from every angle possible. Why...because they want to look fair. The term 'Fairness' has been misused; it has been replaced by beauty and cleanliness--a very disappointing revelation.
Beauty is not a synonym for fairness or clean skin. You cannot judge a person's capabilities based on their complexion. You can't assume before knowing thoroughly. You simply cannot imperialize people based on their skin color; that's complete injustice.
I'm grateful to be surrounded by an international environment, for now I can experience a clearer view of the issues related to Racism being applied near me. It's not a word to clarify your IQ. It's a thought to be reflected upon. Each action makes a difference, we make a difference.
Afterall, we are not 'Whites', 'Blacks', or 'Browns'...
But human beings!
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