Why Do Some People Judge by Race

The act of judging individuals based on their race is a deeply rooted and complex phenomenon that permeates societies. Racial prejudice often stems from the ease with which race can be visually identified. For instance, a person might assume that a lady in a car park, who appears poor and scruffy, might beg for money, and thus avoid her, based on preconceived notions. This behavior reflects a broader societal pattern where individuals attach both value and negative behaviors to certain racial groups.

The Psychology Behind Racial Judgments

With racial judgments, the mental template of a racial group is applied to any individual who fits that description. This template can lead to generalized and often negative assumptions. Such judgments are not confined to financial judgments but extend to respect and behavior as well. For example, in the aforementioned scenario, the person did not extend the same level of respect to the woman as they would to a more attractive, well-dressed individual.

Attaching Value and Negative Behaviors

People also attach value to certain racial groups and simultaneously attribute negative behaviors to others. The motivation behind these judgments is often the wish to avoid those negative behaviors, leading to the stereotyping of entire racial groups. If Africans were the dominant race with all the skills and wealth, the dynamics would be different. However, as it stands, they are often discriminated against, not just based on their actions, but also to prevent them from becoming dominant.

Historical Context of Racial Judgments

Understanding why racial judgments persist involves looking at historical contexts of cultural invasion and colonialism. The history of colonizing nations such as the Roman Empire, the British Empire, Spain, Portugal, and France, has left an indelible mark on global politics and societies. These empires not only invaded and took lands but also imposed their own cultural and racial hierarchies on the populations they conquered.

One significant aspect of this historical context is the portrayal of people based on skin color. Lighter complexions were often associated with higher social standing, while darker skin tones were seen as less valuable. This led to the categorization of those invaded and their cultures as inferior, thereby justifying the control and exploitation practiced by the colonizers.

The Case of the Irish

A notable counterexample to the typical racial hierarchy was the plight of the Irish. Historically, the Irish had the fairest complexions of any European group yet were also subjected to invasion, starvation, and forced assimilation. Their conflicts with the British, who invaded Ireland, illustrate the complexity of racial and cultural power dynamics. The Irish, who spoke their own language and were not Anglo-Saxon, faced discrimination not just based on their culture but also because of their perceived lowliness.

Conclusion

Seeking to change the social issues related to racial judgments is an ongoing challenge. As societies continue to evolve, there is hope that preconceived notions and stereotypes can be replaced with a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and shared humanity. The historical lessons of cultural invasion and colonialism provide insight into the roots of racial prejudice, urging individuals and societies to work towards more inclusive and equitable futures.

Keywords: Racial prejudice, cultural invasion, hierarchy, colonialism