Why are people racist?

Question

It seems like an impossible question.

Answer 1

Fear. They hate what they don't understand.

There are racist in every race.
Racism is a learned trait. Humans are very competitive and if we can find fault with someone else then we make that a gain for why we are better. This does not stop with race, it could be religion, sex, height, weight, eye or hair color,.. the list is never-ending....

Answer 2

It's really simple. People are not educated by their own families who have not been educated by THEIR own families--- so far you with me?

Basically, you take a white kid, that has only seen all the stuff the media portrays about blacks/mexicans/chinese/indians, (they don't really broadcast the best of people, of any race) and that kid is going to be fearful, or prejudge those that do cross their path.

And you take those blacks/mexicans/chinese/indians that don't really know any white people and it's the same story.

Ignorance breeds ignorance.

Simply put - People do not consider the individuals, and instead judge the masses. When the day comes that you cannot see a person until you have truly met their personality and who they REALLY are and what they hold dear to them, then we will no longer have racism. Because that is all it is. Based on the tone of your skin.

How sad is that? My dad is a pink irish guy raised by his moms best friend (who happened to be black) and my mom is a brown spanish woman. Wonder how I didn't enter the world with horns and destined to go to hell, Huh!?! :)

People don't see people , they see colors and stereotypes. It's really sad actually. However, I think the more of us that ask questions like this, and try to educate the ignorant (of all creeds and colors, cuz trust me, white people aren't the ONLY racists out there) someday people who are not racist will outway the ones that are.
We just need to stop idiots from breeding their own hate into their children.

Answer 3

I think it's like a phobia. An irrational fear due to some type of personal experience or something they're taught. There's no way we're born with it, so it must be learned. For example, if the first police officer you meet is rude to you, you may judge all police officers as rude and arrogant. If you meet another one that treats you the same way, your belief may get even stronger until you hate all cops. The reality is that most cops want to help people and make the world a better place, but everyone hates them because they give out tickets and arrest people. Talk about unfair. It's legalized descrimination.

Answer 4

I think it is a good question. Knowing why these poor people think like they do, make it a LITTLE easier to put up with them

People are racist for many reasons.

Their parents were the same
The have very low self esteem
Bringing someone else "down" makes them feel better
about themselves.
Hate of others They don't understand why,those who are different than themselves have a happier more successful life than they do. JEALOUSY!

To me, the mother of interracial - now adult - children (adopted from birth)
they are bitter, fearful, angry people who hate anybody "different". Whereas people with no prejudice or judgment spend time on this being loving, kind, compassionate and nonjudgmental.

Sorry to say we find many, on all sites, on Answers, who are racist re race and religion.

CATHERINE - SORRY me dear, but you are so wrong. I have never, in all of my 76 years, ever disapproved of anyone who doesn't look like me. I can guarantee that the people and family that are in my lives, have NEVER felt that way either. Disapproving of someone else because they look differently from you IS RACIST.

If you don't want to be this way, change your thinking. We are "all" NOT like "that" and if you want to be included is this group. CHANGE YOUR THINKING.

Answer 5

People become racists because of ignorance. They have a tendency to generalize. Some have been taught it from childhood. Others are just plain stupid and like to look down on others who are different than themselves. All racists are actually not saying anything about their "victims", but only something about themselves.

Answer 6

It seems that some people feel that they have to put other people down to make themselves feel okay. I also think that a lot of people have been taught well how to hate as they grew up. When people have contact with the group of people they saw as bad, this can break down. I have seen this happen. They realize that some of the information they had was all wrong.

Answer 7

subconsciously, we all do not approve of ones that don't look like us. I'm not a racist, though I still feel somewhat uncomfortable when I'm with a person of race other than mine (if I don't know him or her). I used to dislike blonde girls until I dyed my hair, and now I find brunettes unattractive. I think everyone believes him or her to be a 'model' human, and thus everyone else imperfect. This feeling is natural, acting on it is not civilized, that's what I think.

Answer 8

Maybe people are made racist by misguided immigration policies by Governments who are not representing the wishes of the indigenous electorate. Ever think of that? I won't be told who to like by anyone personally. I accept there are situations I must tolerate but I don't have to like them.

Answer 9

People try to dodge the real answer to this question.

Some ethnic "looks" are not popular with people, generally.

I'm ethnic. People don't like me, and alot of times that's for no reason. I don't want to hear BS about them just refusing to get to know me, and that if they did they would like me. No, if they don't like your appearance, that's pretty much it.

Racism isn't ignorance. It's a rejection of someone for their appearance, plain and simple. Popular opinion on this matter would contradict what I am saying, and that's probably why we have not made any progress on this matter.

Answer 10

people are racist because half tha time they can be jealous of one person!!!! people r racist because they have nothing better to do with there lifes but judge other ppl!!! people that are racist shuld feel the pain that other ppl feel nd wonder y most ppl feel tha way they do! Racism is nothing to joke about !!!! i dont understand y ppl still r cuse that was over deacades ago and they just need to get over themselves