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8/3/2019 Religion Assignment on Racism
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Racism
Racism has been a prevalent issue in society for as long as man can remember.
After Hitlers attempt to create a super race, the
most well known and well publicized example of
racism is racism in the United States. Black slaves
were brought to Northern America from Africa and
given little to no rights, as they could not vote and
were separated from the rest of society. Eventually,
the problem was solved and African Americans
were given the right to vote after some of them stood up and fought for rights,
such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Although the issue of racism In the US
was resolved politically, to this day there is still racist activity in the US. This
racism is a drop in the ocean of racism that we see throughout the world on a
daily basis, and it must be abolished.
Racism affects many people all over the world today, not only African Americans,
but people of all nationalities. Many people are exploited in the world because of
their race, and although they may not be told, people can be rejected
employment because of their race. Not only is racism issues in employment,many social stereotypes are placed on the different races of the world.
Unfortunately, these stereotypes tend to separate people based on their race. For
example, many white people will avoid people of other races just because they
have a different skin colour. However, we are all people and we should all be
treated equally, and if we arent, a lack of social justice is very apparent.
The Catholic bible has many examples and references to social justice . For
example, in Luke 10:25-37, the story of the Good Samaritan is told. This story is
not only a perfect example of social justice in action, but can also be related to
racism. Although the man who is robbed on the road is not specified as a different
race, the Priest and the Levite walk past the man because they think he is of less
worth than they are. However, the Samaritan helps the man. Translating this to
8/3/2019 Religion Assignment on Racism
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racism, racists are usually under the impression than another race is of less worth
than theirs. Another, simpler bible reference is located in Luke 6:31. Although it is
only very short and simple, it contains a very important life message that can be
translated into racism easily.Do to others as you would have them do to you.
This message is very important, not only in relation to racism, but everything in
life. However, looking at the message from a racism point of view, we can observe
that this passage has no specification on race, religion, gender or sexuality. It
simply tells us to treat everyone else as we would like to be treated; in effect, be
kind.
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission is an organization which is made up of
fifteen men, women, religious and lay people. Their mission is to improvesocietys social justice ethics in terms of all social justice issues, not just racism.
Their aims include (but are not limited to) working with people who have suffered
from lack of social justice, providing assistance and giving advice to the poor, the
helpless and the oppressed, and to provide learning opportunities for the Catholic
community. The CJPC aims to collaborate with other groups and individuals who
are concerned with justice and peace as they are trying to make a difference
locally and globally.
Although CJPC can make a difference, it doesnt take an organization or even a
small group to help. We as individuals can make a difference every day of our
lives. There are many large scale operations that can be carried out, such as
organising peaceful protests and rallies to raise awareness throughout the
community and talking to your community government representative to try to
make a difference, but not all help has to be large scale like all of these. Making a
difference is as simple as printing out posters, setting up a website, or even justreprimanding someone who makes a racist comment or reference. Every bit
helps, and we should all do our part to help put an end to racism .
By Jesse Williams