What Is Race/racism?

What is Race/Racism?

Human beings share the common yet distinctive anatomical structure. The basic anatomy and physiology is uniform among the different individuals of the species homosapiens. Yet there are differences in the appearance, color of the skin, physical viability and adaptability, cranial structure and numerous other such factors. These traits are transformed from one generation to another. These characteristics are also influenced by their surrounding environmental and geographical variations. Despite sharing such striking uniformity, not all individuals showcase solidarity and respect towards other human beings. I believe the idea or notion that a certain race of people is better than the other defines the term 'racism'. The fundamental changes in appearance of the individuals of a particular race are only due to geographical and environmental factors. Over time, these traits are passed from one generation to another which makes these characteristics even more noticeable and peculiar. But in the whole description nowhere is it found that, due to any of the cited reasons, a particular race of people is better than any others.

Still, one cannot deny the fact that racism does persist in the modern world. According to various researches, it has been evident that the practice originated back in the 18th century in the European continent. From there, it spread to rest of the world, wherever, the influence of Europeans grew and flourished. Claiming to be the most civilized and leading race of the modern world, Europeans treated the Africans and Asians like 'sub-humans'. This was important in the context that Europeans were the rulers and were treating others as laborers. This workforce was available to them by the inhabitants of these continents as salves. Due to poverty and particular undeveloped life styles, the slave class in turn accepted the 'inferiority status' granted by their owners.

In modern times, however, a lot has changed. No one is treated like a slave. The international and local laws restricts and prohibits any kind of slavery act. Wages are paid on the basis of work and not ethnicity. Strong laws were made and implemented throughout the globe. The governments of American, African and Asian countries made deliberate efforts to abolish any kind of racial discrimination present in the society. The results are encouraging. The scenario has improved a