Racism Flashcards
What is Racism?
Discrimination against people because of their race is called racism
christianity
Christians believe that people are created by God as equals. The first thing to understand in this discussion is that there is only one race—the human race.All human beings have the same physical characteristics (with minor variations, of course). More importantly, all human beings are equally created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to lay down His life for us (John 3:16). The “world” obviously includes all ethnic groups. God does not show partiality or favouritism (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9), and neither should we. James 2:4 describes those who discriminate as “judges with evil thoughts.” Instead, we are to love our neighbours as ourselves (James 2:8).
jewish
Judaism teaches that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and that everyone should be treated well.Scapegoating is an example of prejudice. A person or group can be blamed for the sins or wrongs of another person or group. For example, in 1930s Nazi Germany, Jews were made scapegoats for the country’s economic difficulties. The Jews have experienced times in their history of being the ‘stranger’ or ‘outsider’ without a homeland.
Jewish scripture reflects this experience: When an alien lives with you in your land, do not ill-treat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your G-d. Leviticus 19:33-34 They also believe that everyone is descended from Adam and Eve and so should be given equal respect: Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. Genesis 3:20
islam
The Qur’an (the Divine Book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad) teaches that everyone was created by Allah (God) and that everyone is equal:Of His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colours. Surah 30:22 O mankind, We have created you from male and female; and We have divided you into tribes and sub-tribes for greater facility of intercourse. Verily, the most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.’ Surah 49:14 Therefore there is no reason to treat people of different races differently.
The Prophet Muhammad showed how important this teaching was in his last sermon, when he said: All mankind is descended from Adam and Eve, an Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab; a white person is not better than a black person, nor is a black person better than a white person except by piety and good actions. Learn that every Muslim is the brother of every other Muslim and that Muslims form one brotherhood.
hinduism
Hinduism teaches that men and women are of equal worth, but have different roles and responsibilities because they have different dharmas (duties) to follow.Many Hindus believe prejudice or discrimination based on birth, skin colour, socio-economic status or any other factor is negative action that will result in karmic debt. The Ramayana (Hindu text) tells the story of Lord Rama and his wife, Sita. Women are encouraged to be good wives and mothers and to follow the example of Sita. The role of the mother has always been given a very high status in Hinduism. The mother goddess is associated with everything that is good and protective. Mothers are respected because the mother is the first teacher of the child, and she has a special role to play with regard to worship in the home. Many Hindu teachings emphasise that all living things, including human beings, are expressions of the same divinity and of equal worth. The Bhagavad Gita states: I am equal to all beings; none are hated by me and none are particularly dear.
Bhagavad Gita 9:29
The greeting ‘namaste’ (I bow to the Divinity within you) illustrates the belief that everyone is part of one divinity and should all be treated with respect.
