Is racism really about slavery? Or is about the simple act of persecuting someone, or

forming a negative opinion of them, simple because of the colour of their skin, or ethnic origin?

Slavery is simply racism at its most extreme.
It is not the reason racism should be abhorred and stamped out.
It happened because black people were believed to be savage, worthless and less important than those with 'whiter' skin. This was the excuse used for the treatment given.
The excuse is the racism, the treatment the symptom.

By the same token, I reckon I?ve had more abuse in the street due to the colour of my hair, than some of black people in Norwich.
Is that acceptable simply because people with my hair colour were never enslaved?
Also, when this occurs to a black person (as I?m sure it does) do you think those around them react with shock and disgust? Or do you think they smile, snigger, and consider it a bit of wheeze?

Slavery, and this countries involvement in it, is a massive blight on human history and should never be forgotten, lest we repeat it.
Its a horrendous chapter in our history.

Posted By: megson on October 22nd 2009 at 14:25:16

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