why do people differentiate on the basis of skin colour?

Answer 1

Because generalizations come easy, and therefore stereotyping becomes natural.

It is because the only know of one example of a group of people, and rarely hear differently, so they assume that one group is representative of all of that people...

And it's not just skin color either. Nationality, heritage, hair color (do you ever hear of a 'dumb brunette' joke? No, it's always the 'dumb blonde'), traditions, religion, music, art, clothes, upbringing, wealth, mode of transportation (if you see someone riding in a horse-and-cart, do you think 'rich man'? No, either 'third world country' or 'Amish'. If you see someone in a limo, do you think, 'poor man'? No, either 'rich man' or 'high school prom'), age, experience, schooling, and everything else.

It is natural for people to want to lump things together into one group, even if they're radically different in other aspects. It makes it easier to keep track of people en-masse I suppose.

I mean, look at a single genre of music. Rap. you have late 70's rap (Kool and the Gang), early 80's rap (Tone Loc, LL Cool J), late 80's rap (Kid and Play, Queen Latifah), Gangsta rap (Snoop Dog, Public Enemy), Mysogynist rap (2 Live Crew), Skilled white rappers (Eminem, House of Pain, 3rd Bass), lame white rappers (Vanilla Ice, Rodney Dangerfield), Latino rap (Mellow Man Ace), Rapcore (Beastie Boys, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit), Beatboxers (Fat Boys, Rahzel, Effex), Horrorcore (I.C.P, Defekt), Country rap, Electro hop, Freestyle, Hip house, Hip life, Ghettotech, Hip hop soul, Miami bass, Neo soul, New jack swing, Ragga, Reggaeton, Urban Pasifika, and most likely others.

Is it not easier to remember "rap", than having to remember each and every one of them specifically by name? It is easier to remember "All rap has rhyming lyrics" as a broad generalization, than to remember that early 80's rap was all about having fun, while Horrorcore has lyrics dealing with the macabre, and gangsta rap has bass-driven tunes.

And as such, since that is how the mind works, we tend to do that to everything. Not just music, not just skin colors... everything. It makes everything a lot easier on us, but in the end, tends to cause nothing but problems.

Answer 2

Because it's easier than having people actually think and use their brains.

A start in the right direction would be to get rid of programs that differentiate that way, such as Affirmative Action and the United ***** College Fund.

Answer 3

It's not always skin color, it's sometimes origin. If someone is Asian they are more likely to go to an elite school, then it is likely for...
If I said it I would be banned.
My mother told me about a principal she knew,they needed to replace a principal that had recently been fired,
She said,"Oh, I know this new principal is good."
"Why?" ,my mom said.
"Because she's Asian"
This is what people run into, the generalization of people, if you see an Indian(India) walking down the street, your probably going to assume he/she is smart and is a doctor.
If some people see an hispanic they will think that he/she is an immigrant.
As you know if I did answer fully I'd be banned.
Hope that helps, generalization

Answer 4

I always believe that most people are afraid of each other deep down. most people find safety being with people of their own color. which is wrong because we stay ignorant of the rest of the world, people of different races and colors. I think ignorance is the reason for it. Most people can't see the forest for the trees. life in America could be better if we all just lay down our fears and open our mind just a little.

Answer 5

It's a learned response. Parents teach it to their children (often accidently). Television and movies throw that in, stereotyping keeps it going. As people become more educated and independent in their thinking (or less in many cases), the perceptions forced upon them by others change.

Answer 6

When you say "differentiate," do you mean in a negative fashion or simply noticing a difference?

Answer 7

Its like a caste system.
Trying to create a superior feeling,
when its all about being different tribes
of the human race .
Someone has to be kept down,right?

Answer 8

its normal, we cant really make people stop being racist unless we hang them upside down and leave them there. But people also sterotype each race for example :

"Oh, itlians are the best in soccer"
"Oh this guy is black so he deserves to be on the football team"

yadda yadda yadda.... I hope I didnt offend anyone.. *shifty eyes*

Answer 9

I don't know. It's stupid. We need to get rid of affirmative action and all that and just look at who the people are on the inside.

Answer 10

well, I would have to say because of their background and where they came from, but even though they differ they still should be able to get along and be friends.