Why is racism a major problem only in U.S?

Question

Ok I'm from Europe and honestly I did not know what racism was before I came here.......Why do people judge other people by the color of their skin here? and why don't people ignore racism (it's the best way to stop it)? I have a couple of black friends and we're cool, we never use racist insults against each other even if we get in a fight.
---------------------------Racists are a low-class and ignorant people, why is it so hard to just ignore them instead of getting on the same level of ingorance and humiliation as them?

I didn't say the racism goes only in U.S......i said that IT"S A MAJOR PROBLEM only in the U.S and personally I think it is....................and for Europe it's not a problem at all because there's not a lot of racism...................but I know for sure that I DIDN"T KNOW WHAT RACISM WAS BEFORE I GOT HERE................don't insult me you know it's true.........U.S would be much better if there was less racism

Answer 1

people hate those they don't understand. we are just uneducated.

Answer 2

Why? Because we reinforce it. In the news, we always hear: "Oh so-and-so was the first black person to do this-and-that."

Why do they have to mention a person is black? We can see that. It's pretty apparent. But when they say "black", they imply that it's such a big achievement for a blak person, that white people could've done the same thing and NOT be mentioned.

A person should NOT be commended for somthing just because they are black. If they do something incredible, it should be because of the thing they have done.

In result, children start to think, "Oh, if it's such a big deal, then black/Asian/Arab/etc people must be deficient in intelligence/athletic ability because if a white person did the same things, nobody would say anything" So they grow up with the mindset that these people are different and should be treated differently.

That's only my theory, of course.

Other causes of racism may include: black people making fun of black people; repeatedly using the "n-word" in songs, comedy acts, movies, etc; black people being decpicting in gangs, shootings, crimes, theft etc in all most movies.

Another simple answer? Some people are just racist. They just don't like black people. These people exist everywhere, not just in America. It's wrong, and it's disgusting, the way they think, but what can you really do?

Answer 3

I agree with you in spirit, in that racism is unnecessary and pointless. But you're wrong in the in the part about "only in the U.S."

Racism is a problem in many countries of the world. In fact, in most countries where minorities are disrespected, the abuse and lack of civil rights is far more severe than what you see in the states.

In India, it's rampant. It was the basis of the cast system that people are born into and can never move up from. I know a woman from India who says that her parants employed Untouchables (the lowest cast) as servants. They paid the them the equivalant of ONE DOLLAR A DAY.

It is also a big problem in Vietnam, where many were forced to become boat people. Many have been tortured or killed. The children of American Military men in Japan, Viet Nam, and Korea who remained there have been treated horrably.

No, it's not unique to the U.S. So have Jews in Russia. So have a lot of groups.

Answer 4

That's not true. There is racism all over, and it doesn't only go from white to black. Do you think Bin Laden isn't racist? Do you think Somalian's and Ethiopians don't fight between their races?

Yes it IS ignorant...for ANYONE who judges people on race...but it's not an American invention, and I actually resent that you're implying that Americans have somehow, cornered the market on this. There are MANY non-racist Americans!

If you haven't seen racism in Europe...you haven't looked. I'm not saying it's worse than America, but it's not better! Look up Apartheid.

Answer 5

first off racism is a bad thing! on the other hand, stereo types sometimes come from the truth (not trying to be a biggot or a racist). i hate everyone one the same;) but to say it is only a problem in the US is far from the truth! its in EVERY culture!! its just some country have more important things to talk about in the news as to why a black man got pulled over in a bad part of town for having a tail light out. (not picking on black people, just an analogy)

Answer 6

I believe it has to do with the fact that the original settlers from Europe were a combination either the second sons, who weren't allowed a piece of the estate when their father died and it went to the elder brother and had to find their wealth else where, or they were of the peasant/serf class, nearly slaves themselves. Both groups had been made to feel less than by those in their home country, therefore, when they came to America, they sought to oppress and make others feel that way. It has been shown that those who were oppressed often tend to do the same to others. As for the other races, ie Blacks, Native Americans, Asians and Jews, because they were treated as second class for centuries in this country, that fostered resentment towards whites that hasn't abated and the racial bickering continues on.

Answer 7

America is a melting pot, and still fairly young. We have soooo many different kinds of people and the diveristy is amazing! however some people ARE going to be bias, what we have to do is keep encouraging them that insulting others for things they have no control over is WRONG! The U.S. was once segregated and this history still play's out today in the racism some americans have.

Answer 8

The United States was built around racism. How could Christian whites justify taking land from the Native Americans? Enslaving Africans? You can sleep a lot better at night if you convince yourself the people you are stealing from/enslaving are not truly equal, not fully human.

Racism persisted because there were still desires to control people of color, to limit opportunities and political power. Martin Luther King Jr. and others were fighting for full voting rights as recently as the 1960s!

Luckily, I truly believe The United States has turned the corner on racism. I know nobody who is overly racist, and the number of people who still believe their race is superior to others is decreasing (at least where I live...California).

Of course, there are always people out there who seek to use race, religion, and ethnic prejudices as an excuse to treat others horribly. And it's the responsibility of us to make sure their views do not become dominant once again.

Answer 9

You are 100% wrong. The racist problem goes all over the world and not only racism, but discrimination against culture. It is all over the world. Stop Picking out America.

Answer 10

Because, the black community wants it to be. Also there is a huge push by the media to get viewers. If you are concerned you will watch. But anyways, if europe had Jesse Jackson racism would be a problem in Europe. Its all a matter of prespective. It really is not much different, the difference is how we view it and who tells us about it.

Answer 11

Racism isn't as bad here as most people think. A lot of people use racism as a crutch and they don't want it to go away. Without racism they would have to take the blame themselves for their failures.