Racism
Racism is discriminatory, oppressive or abusive behaviour towards people because they belong to a different race.
Examples:
• Name calling
• Giving someone different opportunities due to their race
Why the situation occurs:
Racism is a form bullying where one group within a society believe themselves to be superior to another group or groups. Racism often has to do with power and struggles for power within society.
Another reason is because people are not educated into understanding the characteristics and ways of other people - they judge before they understand. Racist attitudes are often passed down within families and many racist attitudes are based on misinformation or myths.
Many people are not aware that their views are racist and may believe that their views are based on truth.
How you can make a difference:
Tackle the issue - help you people to learn what racism is and about the myths they believe to be true. Educate them to be more tolerant and to understand diversity. Support those who may have experienced racism and help to give them positive ways to tackle the issue.
Try to teach about empathy and to think of others before acting - our actions always have consequences.
Use the materials and tools provided to follow the process of:
1. Identifying the problem
2. Developing Awareness and Empathy
3. Taking action
4. Measuring the change
Resources and links:
The United Nations CyberSchoolBus website provides briefing papers for teachers and leaders on this topic: http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/discrim/race.asp
The United Nations World Conference Against Racism website contains interesting information on this subject: http://www.un.org/WCAR
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