Racism in any shape or form is completely unacceptable an inexcusable. The colour of a person’s skin does not in any shape or form determine any aspect of who they are, and therefore people should not judge them for it. Racism is against the law and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. The government has put anti-racist laws into place to protect all members of the community. In many schools young people and teachers work together to produce anti-bullying policies, which include sections on racist bullying. A 12 year old school girl talked about being bullied because of racism and said “They bully me because of my colour. They call me racist names, hit me and make comments about my family. The hitting hurts, but the words hurt more. My dad has suggested that I punch the bullies. I think this will make things worse though, as the bullies are very popular. The whole school could end up hating me.” Encouraging others to be racist – known as ‘inciting racial hatred’ – is also a criminal offence. Also, racist things in newspapers, TV, radio and the internet break media codes of practice.
Racism can have a terrible effect. People can become lonely, isolated, depressed and angry. They may lose self-confidence and become terrified of going certain places or going out alone. Racism towards one person may also cause them to be racist, for example one girl stated that “I’m the only Asian in my class and used to get picked on for my colour, but I dealt with it. I feel now though that it has made me racist against white people. I hate myself for it. I just wish people from different races would leave each other alone.” Some people take it very seriously when some one tells them there skin colour is ugly. Imagine for example going to school where everybody dislikes you because of your skin colour. Racism can also lead to learning problems, trust issues, being constantly scared and self hatred. However, racism also has more serious effects; in many cases people who suffer from racial discrimination have self harmed or committed suicide.
In conclusion, there is never an excuse for being racist. It is a hundred percent wrong in any shape or form, and most racists act in such a way because deep down they have issues with themselves. However, no one should have to suffer such pain and hurt simply because they are a different colour. No one should ever be out casted or separated for such reasons; the only thing separated by colour should be laundry.
Kerry Harrison
5A
(Quotes are taken from Childline website)
