It is one of the most misunderstood concepts of human culture. And it is at the root of an enormous list of problems that plague humanity.
I am talking about race. And I am not talking about just Nazis.
In many cases, we tend to overlook race and rest the blame on superficial elements such as religion, caste, regionalism, language etc.
Karl Marx has once suggested that economic relations are the basis for understanding any society, and that other elements are just superficial. I, however, think that race should be studied in isolation and that this will be equally important in understanding the ills of the society.
When I wanted to write about this, I have realized I have so much to write and so many examples to illustrate, that it merits more than a single post on my blog. So I have decided to use my wordpress account to pen down these thoughts.
I will talk about several misconceptions amongst people which have their origin in the concept of race. Specifically, I will talk about them in the context of India. This is because, India has been an experiment on the idea of race, and its entire history is replete with incidants of racism and their consequences. Ultimately, India (and its people) stand today as the antithesis of race.
Please put down your comments. I hope to see other points of view and improve my understanding through this dialogue.
Thanks for dropping by !
- Kiran
“Karl Marx has once suggested that economic relations are the basis for understanding any society, and that other elements are just superficial. I, however, think that race should be studied in isolation and that this will be equally important in understanding the ills of the society.”
Some time back,just like Marx found the key to human nature in wealth, Freud in sex, Russell finds it in Power. If you find time, do read this book: “Power: A New Social Analysis”. You are trying to attempt similar thing with “race”. All that I can point out at this juncture is to Russell’s Autobiography wherein he says “Power ‘rather fell flat’”. I shall stop here lest I write a post myself here.
I am not talking about human nature or psychology. I am more interested in sociological aspects. Freud was interested only in personal issues. Russel – I do not know, will have to read him still.
I dont want to say that race is the key in estimating human progress. That is the exact opposite of my intention. (economic relationships, as stated by Marx, were definitely the key) I want to say that race is a major (nah.. the biggest) illusion in the mindsets of people, and that it prevents them from acting logically.
Please watch out and comment on my later posts too.