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 Re: The Guardian :A paler shade of black by The Sudanese Nesrine Malik (Re: Mohamed Omer)
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(5)
A fascinating account
As regards racism, this piece underlines, I think, how it isn't in fact a question of colour
It's a question of them and us, of group dynamics. I'm sure evolutionary psychology would have something to say about this which might go something like this
The progress (or survival in the worst case) of the group depends on promoting members of your group at the expense of others
How do you define group?
By a mixture of language, appearance, culture for example
And appearance being the first thing you perceive, it dominates
Once the pressure slackens, once the community becomes more secure, this unpleasant tendence should fade.
But I'd argue it's always hiding under the surface. Them and us
Football fans from the UK raging at, say, footbal fans from Belgium are an example. They've never met them, have no knowledge of these opponents they instinctly despise
Even though they look identical
Make them look identifiably different - and it strengthens this built-in prejudice, and strengthens the bonds with "your side".
Hence: Flag waving, scarves, and tribal chants to make the distinctions clearer and make a big fight easier to kick off.
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The only solution is the hippy dream of making everyone feel they belong to the same side
I reckon it's not without hope though, peace and flowers everyone
(6)
They used to say the Irish Republic was free of racism - until immigrants and asylum seekers began going there. They said much the same of Scandanavia
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Mohamed Omer
فيس بوك
تويتر
انستقرام
يوتيوب
بنتيريست