Are Imperialism, Capitalism, Racism, Sexism & Christianity Linked?

Question

Are Imperialism, Capitalism, Racism, Sexism & Christianity Linked?

Answer 1

Do you realize you've asked a question with twenty parts to it ?

The easiest to answer is "yes" to sexism as a precondition for imperialism. Empire-building requires a culture that approves of conquests. As with "sexual conquests", military conquering is an almost totally male activity. (There are a handful of historical exceptions like Cartimandua.)

But sexism can exist without imperialism. Look at some present-day Muslim societies and many tribal cultures.

Christianity and imperialism; capitalism and imperialism - no, not intrinsically. Genghis Khan built a very big empire without any interaction with either Christianity or capitalism. So did the early Muslims in the 600s and 700s AD. So did the Romans, indeed for three centuries the Roman emperors rather vigorously opposed Chritianity.

Christianity and capitalism -- no relationship in either direction. Christianity flourished for 15-18 centuries before cpitalism got going, and capitalism is flourishing now alongside the sharp decline in Christianity this past 100 years.

Racism and imperialism -- racism helps, because it's easier to want to impose your values on other people if you hold them as inferior. But, again, the Romans and Genghis Khan, Cyrus the Great and Alexander of Macedon were all successful imperialists without much evidence that they were racists.

Capitalism and racism -- I'd say actually a negative connection. Capitalism encourages people to go out and trade across borders and invest in countries with strange foreign customs. Capitalism rewards well-calculated adventure and risk-taking. It rewards the removal of barriers to trade (as with the EU). Capitalism has been one of the influences breaking down racism in the West in the past sixty years.

Same applies to capitalism and sexism, only less effectively so far. Capitalism is intrinsically meritocratic, and penalises choices made on the basis of prejudice.

Sexism and racism? De facto the link seems strong, though I don't see any intrinsic link -- a culture could easily have either without the other logically. Emotionally there may well be a link via the common factor of heirarchical patriarchal social structure as a stimulant to both sexism and racism (as well as a necessary condition for imperialism).

Christianity and racism? Racism is contrary to the teachings of Christ and of St. Paul (e.g. the parable of the Good Samaritan). Somehow they bent Christianity to accommodate racism, but it doesn't come naturally.

Christianity and sexism? You bet. Two male gods and a sexless ghost to make up their 3-part godhead. Male power structures from the word go, with their exclusively male priesthood. We in Britain, for example, had a Supreme Goddess before the Christians overturned her. But you CAN have sexism without Christianity.

Answer 2

All cultures share the desire to make their world better and safer -- for themselves and their children. Unfortunately, all cultures have an innate belief that their way is the best way, which leads to imperialism and zenophobia (which is really what sexism and racism are).

Answer 3

No Why would most types of Christianity be racist & sexist The Catholic church is sexist but there are women working within the church to get this changed Basically Believe what you want

Answer 4

For sure, I think you are onto something here....we should all become Muslims and kill all the infidels.