Me Thinks

In his book "Made for Goodness," Desmond Tutu said:
"Learning racism had to be a process.  It wasn't an instinct.  Racism is evil, and evil goes against the grain of creation. Because we are made for goodness, the instinct to do what is right must be eroded to allow us to do what is wrong." 
(pg. 86)

I agree. I believe each of us is born with the instinct to do what is right. When that instinct is eroded over years of experience, cultural bias, poor examples, and false teachings, people do things that are wrong. Racism is a process of negative learning and reaction, not an instinct. When racism is entrenched as a family or cultural belief, and passed on from generation to generation, it is difficult to eradicate, but it can be combated with education, situational shifts, positive examples, legislation and follow-through, and peaceful talk. We can (and should) stand up for people, treat them with dignity and respect, and teach children and others to do the same.