TED Conversations

musk undernotes

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

Why is race so prominent in our social narratives? Are our differences and relatedness mutually inseparable?

Is race merely ephemeral or a profound human attribute? Why is our racial identity or difference so fundamental to our sociology? Is it essential? If so, are we misapplying the merits of racial differences - perhaps? Why are so many of us so afraid to comment on on subject of race, and How can we change this for the better?

0
Share:
progress indicator
  • thumb
    May 26 2012: We must never forget that many people never surpass a very concrete stage of thought. They assume that race means something of imporrtance. If you have the ability to think in the abstract you must continually make it clear by your actions that it does not.
  • thumb
    May 22 2012: First of all, I think most of us are afraid of speaking the truth on racism for fear of being called a racist. It is easier for the lost to hope that the wrong path will change to his or her advantage, than it is to admit that he or she is lost. Sometimes we try too hard to keep the truth to ourselves and save our friends and neighbours from its stinging words.

    We should be conscious of our differences, we are not the same, but we are one in our humanity.
    The vastness of the world allows the diversity of style and culture; An African proverb says 'the sky is vast enough for all birds to fly without collissions'. Everything in nature is beautiful in its own peculiar way.

    As individuals and as communities we should not see our worldview as the only truth; we should emphatise with others for their humanity. Character failings does not have a specific race profile. Sometimes our life and choices brings hope; sometimes it brings despair and pain.
    We should keep learning about the world and about the people that share this home called the heart. We usually speak of 'peace and love', or 'lets make love and not war'. Yes, love is the source of peace. If a religion does not show love for humanity, if a religion is not rich in mercy and a voice for justice, then it is not worth its place.
    The bible says 'how can you love God that you have not seen with your physical eye if you dont love humans that you can see'

    Love is tasking, it demands commitment and communication, it thrives on forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy with certain hurts. But love is the higher way. Greatness is achieved by taking a higher way instead of the path of least resistance.
    We are different, we are peculiar, we are human; We are not the same.
    Our differences and our relatedness are mutually inseperable.