An Endless Issue: Racism

An Endless Issue: Racism

“Papuans are called with the term ‘monkey’ so many times that even the Persipura (Persatuan Sepakbola Indonesia Jayapura) players got labeled with it too,’’ according to Kossay, a Papuan politician and community leader. He also mentioned that racism has become an ideology or culture of Indonesian society where the majority is made up of Malay (melayu) ethnic group. Another booming news came from the recent Floyd case, a 46-year-old black man, who was arrested by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020 after he was believed to buy cigarettes with counterfeit money. His death was caused because a police officer put his left knee in between the head and neck of Floyd for quite some time.

Facts above were just two of the other news about racism that has been one of the media spotlights. It is a rather ironic thing, however, as the world should have been more open-minded on their view as we also live globally. Well, one question that people have been asking all the time: If we all belong to the human race, then why does racism exist? 

There are several reasons why a number of people have developed a racist attitude. First, others who are in our surroundings affect our views. When we are young, a lot of our attitudes are formed. When members of our family or friends express racist views, it is quite common for us to take those views on ourselves. The dilemma is they will live with us for a lifetime until we do something about it. 

Second, generally, we tend to be with people who are alike with us. Wanting to spend time with people who share the same values, history, culture, and language is natural. It creates a genuinely important sense of belonging. The downside is that it can also create differences between other groups, and this may, over time, lead us to think that our group is better than others.

Third, it is easy for us to be judgemental. We put labels on people very often. For instance, he is dressing up like this so he has to be in that music. She goes to that school so she needs to be wealthy. We sometimes also stereotype people as “lazy,” “brainy,” or from different racial backgrounds. The method of breaking the stereotypes? Do not judge or label people at all as it is important to get to know people from various racial backgrounds and learn how much you have in common with them.

Fourth, we tend to “blame others for our problems.” When we feel frustrated or angry, we often look for someone else to blame our problems. People looking at us or responding to us differently are an easy target. You can hear it happening now in statements like “those people are stealing our jobs” or “they are receiving handouts from the government all the time.” Those statements are wrong almost all the time.

We, as the younger generation, play an important role in combating racism. Let us discuss why we, as youths, should embrace world citizenship to address this social issue. The ability to be a world citizen is one of the four fundamental leadership qualities that AIESEC strives to develop in youth. What does it mean? It means believing you have the ability to make a difference in the world, being interested in world issues, and enjoying taking responsibility in improving the world. Therefore, a world citizen is someone who associates himself as being part of an evolving international culture and whose activities help develop the ideals and practices of this society. This also implies that as a world citizen, one should advocate for stopping the act of racism. Furthermore, as we know, several damages, for instance, in the issue of human equality, have been made in the past. So, it is only up to us whether or not to change ours and people’s mindsets to avoid future conflicts and create peace. Moreover, by youths taking an active role as a world citizen in the evolving foreign community, they will be the frontliners who will be committed to help and to develop the community to be better.

Youth itself is a blessing and a power that comes with responsibilities. With youth, we make positive changes within society and shape a better future. With youth, we create innovations for solutions to solve problems and issues. With youth, empowerment for any rights is not just a mere word but actions with results. With youth, we combat injustice with justice, prejudice with fairness, and hate with love. This doesn’t mean that older generations have no power nor rights in taking part in standing up against these issues. But there are no doubts that youth has the privilege in this one. 

So, you have read “why” the younger generation should care and stand up against this issue. Now, “how” am I going to do it? What caution should I take? First thing first, it is very important to be aware of your own mental state and situation where you find yourself calm and safe before you take a step. This way, you are prepared to face unexpected responses from others verbally and physically. It also helps you to deliver your means to others peacefully and respectfully with open-minded thinking to accept further discussions amongst different opinions and thoughts. Keep in mind that people have different mindsets and it is not easy to change them, especially if someone grows with it, so never force your opinion and thoughts on others.

If you ever meet or witness racist behaviors and comments in public, you can try and confront them immediately or privately, whichever way you feel most comfortable and safest. The next thing you can do is listen to their side of the story before giving your perspective. Empathy and patience are needed in dealing with this situation. Do understand that racism is created not from the moment they were born. Experiences, environments, and personalities they grew up with who formed racist attitudes and mindset. 

You do not need to wait until you are in the situation to stand up. In case having those scenarios are too terrifying for you, there are still so many ways for you to take part; by utilizing technologies and social platforms, we can spread awareness and express our opinions to reach a wider audience. Joining communities and open discussions will help you exchange thoughts and gain deeper knowledge on the history and the current impacts. 

The more frequently this issue is mentioned, the more it will raise society’s awareness of it. Hopefully, in the future, every anti-racism movement will stop. Not because we give up, but because we succeed. Now, it is time for you to speak up and raise your voice to the crowd. 

Writers: Selly, Fathimah Nur Shabrina

Editor: Ratu Annisa Gandasari

For any inquiries, contact us:

aiesecinbinus@gmail.com (Email)

@dhh3485l (Line)

References

https://tirto.id/siklus-rasisme-terhadap-mahasiswa-papua-egA4

https://suarapapua.com/2020/05/14/orang-indonesia-gampang-asosiasikan-orang-papua-dengan-monyet/

https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/whyarepeopleracist.pdf

https://tirto.id/kasus-rasisme-represi-seperti-george-floyd-berulang-di-indonesia-fEB6

https://au.reachout.com/articles/standing-up-to-racism

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/opendemocracyuk/what-does-it-mean-to-be-global-citizen/

https://www.gvi.co.uk/blog/7-steps-to-become-a-global-citizen/