Racism Coursework

Section A

By dictionary definition, racism is ‘hostility or discrimination against members of a different race’. There are many causes of racism, such as history, prejudice and stereotyping. For example, in current society there is a mass of discrimination against Muslim people due publicly advertised terrorist attacks involving a few extremists of the Islamic faith. Racism can be displayed in much the same way as schoolyard bullying; verbal abuse, physical abuse or isolation. Small displays of prejudice against people of alternative culture to an individual can expand, however, into international participation. This occurs often when a dictator rises into power; an example of this being Hitler’s display of racism against Jews during World War II.
Modern day displays of racism can occur when large groups of people meet together. One of the most prominent examples of this is the World Cup; one of the largest global sporting events in which once every four year, teams from all over the world play football for the World Cup. Occasionally, at these matches, black players have monkey noises made and bananas thrown at them by white football supporters. Another example in football was in a match in 2003 between Macedonia and England during which Macedonian fans shouted abuse at English fans. Another example took place in 1981 after 13 black youths were burned to death in a fire, and racist chants were formed about them which were repeated at Midwell.
In accordance with The Race Relations Act 1976, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of colour, nationality (including citizenship), culture or ethical origin.
Generally, Christian teachings are opposed to racism. This is obvious in passages such as Galatians 3:26-29; ‘It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Jesus Christ. You were baptized into union with Christ and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. So there is no difference between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ, then you are descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.’ This passage is implying that all those who have faith in Christianity are the same in the eyes of Jesus Christ, therefore, are all equal. When applied to a situation involving racism, this is clearly against discrimination and promotes equality. In addition, Jesus’ teaching of The Parable of the Good Samaritan in which a man who is beaten by thieves is rescued by a man who, in society’s eyes, should have been his enemy. This story teaches Christian’s that they should always show compassion and help those in need, without prejudice or fear.
Acts 17:26 states ‘from one man He created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the Earth’. This verse says that every person is created from one man. Assuming the ‘man’ mentioned here is Jesus, the verse means everyone is created from the same thing, therefore, should all be equal, no matter where on Earth they are because it was God who put them there.

Section B

Despite the number and spread of teachings and laws against racism, prejudice and discrimination, it is still a regular occurrence in society. However, there are ways in which Christians can put their beliefs about racism into action. The work of the Christian pacifist, Martin Luther King Jr. is a large-scale example of these possibilities. Throughout his life, he organised speeches, boycotts and non-violent protests.
The most well known speech was the I Have a Dream speech held at the Washington Memorial in which King expressed his wish to bring an end to racism; ‘I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama….little black boys and black girls with be able to join hands with little white boy and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today!’ Alongside this were a large number of peaceful protests such as that organised from Selma to Montgomery which took place on March 25th 1965 and boycotts, including the bus boycott in which he encouraged black people to stop using public transport in an attempt to combat segregation (separation) between people of different skin colours. Martin Luther King’s work eventually aided toward the passing of the Civil Rights Act 1964 and the Voting Rights Act 1965, which defeated segregation and allow blacks labour rights, voting rights and other basic civil rights.
Another example of a Christian who put their beliefs about racism into action in Dietrich Bonhoeffer who played a part in organising the assassination of Hitler during World War II. However, his plans were found and he was later convicted and hanged for the campaign.
Also, there is the work of Trevor Huddleston, who fought to combat apartheid with protests and such. He was ordained at a priest in 1937, after which he moved to South Africa when appointed Superintendent of St. Peters School where he became involved in the fight against apartheid and met Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. After conflict within the local community, Trevor Huddleston decided to close St. Peters School and returned to England where he published ‘Naught for you Comfort’; an account of apartheid and the fight for freedom in South Africa. Furthermore, he organised a demonstration of 1, 200 people in London in November, 1985 to protest at Britain’s anti-sanctions to which Olive Tambo also attended, the Artists Against Apartheid on June 28th 1986 to which ¼ of a million people attended, the Nelson Mandela campaign in 1988 including the Wembley Concert broadcast, internationally, to over a billion people and the Nelson Mandela Freedom March form Glasgow to London.
Finally, is the work done by Christian Denominations. In recent news, the Episcopal Church and the Moravian Church have both apologised for owning black slaves and are working on ways in which to address current racial issues. The Episcopal Church is considering compensation for black members of the church to atone for the black slavery historically supported by their denomination. Other Christian denominations who have repented for this include the ‘Disciples of Christ’, the ‘Southern Baptist’ and the Presbyterian Church. As well as offering money to the people affected by this, the churches are working on ways in which to prevent a similar situation recurring.

Section C

Violence is an appropriate response to racism

I personally, do believe violence is an appropriate response to racism because a person’s race is a part of their identity. The colour, nationality, religion or ethical origin of a person is who they are and to have this mocked or insulted is a personal attack on their Character. Any person is bound to take a comment of this brutality heavily and I do believe that in such an instance where a person feel emotionally damaged, the person who made the remark deserves to be punished in order to feel the hurt that the victim felt by the comment. After all, cuts and bruises heal, but a scar in the mind stays. However, these beliefs would be argues against by some people, including Christians who could argue that, in the Bible, it says, ‘Do not ill treat foreigners who are living in your land. Treat them as you would a fellow Israelite and love them as you love yourself’ (Leviticus 19:33-34). This argues against racism in the first place, however one of the Ten Commandments quotes, ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’, which could be applied to the given situation of whether or not to retaliate to a racist comment. A Christian, if applying this Commandment, would not believe it right to use violence as they would not like it used on them.
Therefore, violence can be either an appropriate or inappropriate response to racism dependant on a persons individual beliefs.






































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