The Nuances of Racism and Human Nature

At our current stage of evolution, interbreeding and sexual reproduction would not be possible without speciation. In order to mate, we must find points of attraction. Racism, however, is not about melanin, geography, faith, or language. It is fundamentally about maintaining options for mating, as 'stranger danger' can impact our reproductive choices.

Understanding the Core Differences

Racism vs. Human Nature

It's important to note that all human beings possess certain biases and prejudices, even if they are not actively aware of these feelings. These prejudices are deeply ingrained and can be a remnant of our animal past, making them hard to fully eliminate. Just as in a Venn diagram where the overlap between all humans and racists is extensive, acknowledging the existence of race is socially relevant, albeit often viewed as annoyingly so due to its irrelevance to virtuosic and favorable traits.

Many people understand that race can be socially relevant, yet they still find the acknowledgment of it obnoxious and irrelevant to a person's true character. This contradiction highlights the complexity of human nature and the challenges in navigating social norms and biological urges.

Categorizing Behavior

One way to distinguish between asking a genuine question and engaging in nitpicking lies in the intent and outcome of the behavior. A genuine question seeks to understand and learn, while nitpicking aims to criticize or detract without constructive purpose. Recognizing this subtle difference is crucial for fostering more productive and respectful dialogues.

Biases and Prejudices: Inherently Human or Savage?

Racism is, in a sense, an inate and instinctual link to our animal past. Some modern humans cling to these instincts, while others recognize the undeniable falsehoods and fears behind them. This recognition is a significant step towards reducing prejudice and fostering a more inclusive society.

As humans, we carry biases and prejudiced views that we might or might not be aware of. The key difference between a human and a racist lies in the judgment based on appearance versus action and words. A human actively tries to judge people based on actions and words, not on how they look. In contrast, a racist judges and categorizes individuals based on their appearance, often without seeing any problem with doing so.

Ultimately, the journey towards a more inclusive and understanding society requires acknowledging our inherent biases and striving to overcome them. It's a complex and evolving process, but one that is crucial for progress.