Is racism taught or learned at a young age?

Question

I noticed racism when I was in 6th grade & noticed from other classmates & When i was in the 8th grade (Washington, DC trip) some of the parents had racial views (mumbling/rolling eyes/pissed off face when 2 different ethnics were hugging) . In high school friends I grew up with developed racial feelings towards other ethnics (blk, white, latino) / others (religion/homosexuals) & especially inter-racial dating. I lived in Ohio, IL, NC, and now back in IL and its everywhere! Not just the south. Is it taught by the parents or learned from friends and other classmates?

Answer 1

I would say racism is a learned trait, but only in the form it takes. Humans naturally ostracize those that are different from them. I can't remember what the quote I heard about this was, but it basically said that if we removed all current forms of racism that currently existed in the morning, we'd find something new to discriminate each other with by the afternoon.

This isn't to say we can't listen to the better angels of our nature and overcome this discrimination. Also, recognizing what it is for what it is early is a great way to train yourself out of it.

Answer 2

I say it is learned and constantly enforced every time someone has a bad dealing with someone of a different race, or on the news we see how the blacks acted in the Katrina aftermath and compare it with Florida or even Australia that both had cat 5 storms. It just drives home the point. So I think it is learned over time.

Answer 3

I think racism is acquired through both your parents and friends...parents may not be direct with racism; as you said with your parents had a pissed off face with interracial couples, but not verbal racism..and of course in school, stereotypes are spread and a lot of times different races split into their own groups, just like cliques...

Answer 4

I think racism is kind of "picked up" when you are young. Young people learn things very quickly. i think when they here racial remarks on TV, radio, parents, friends, and even people on the street, although they have no idea what it may meen, they may repeat it. I think it is then and when they start watching tv that racism is picked up and why it is still a problem

Answer 5

The majority of racism is learned at home and taught by prejudice parents.To me it is a form of child abuse to fill an innocent child's mind and heart full of hate towards another human being!

Answer 6

It's based on the LAW OF ATTRACTION,when you look at a magazine and see all the pretty people,your eyes dilate,when you see someone you are attracted to.But when you look at a magazine that has pictures in it of less desirable people you move quickly though it so you don;t have to dwell on the social ills of today.Then you gravitate towards that which you desire.Racism is taught then learned.PEACE!!

Answer 7

Racism is a learned behavior. Taught almost entirely by the parents either by direct action, condoning of racism, or verbal and non-verbal cues like what you described. Fortunately racism is a sin of the ignorant and is losing its grip on people thanks to better education across the country and far greater integration.

Answer 8

Racism is usually picked up by close family members (Parents, uncles, etc.) In a way, yes, it is learned at a young age.

Answer 9

I can't say everything a child picks up is the parent's fault...Because it isn't...But it is the parent's job to instill their own morals and beliefs in their child so that they can dismiss any persuasive negativity...But if the parents are negative ppl, then it's common the child will end up the same way.

Answer 10

Yes racism has been around since the beginning of time. It's a form of sin. It even talks about it in the Bible.