Racism cause and root of the problem

There are 3 main causes to racism, and maybe you do not see it, but racism surrounds us globally. Racism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others. Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear or hatred of others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic down turns. (Global Issues)

Stereotypes

One of the most common causes of racism is accepting stereotypes. Through television radio, the internet,  music, and books people paint others with broad brushes generalizing attributes, feelings and behaviour to conform to one construct of the other. When a person, especially one that is very young, is exposed to stereotypes of a specific group for the first time, then that person will assume all the members of the other group are the same. Likewise, when a source is constantly displaying negative things about a particular race, then that will affect the overall opinions as well and some may feel comfortable displaying their negativity.

Unfamiliarity

Another very common, and probably the most common cause of racism is unfamiliarity. People fear what they do not know or understand. If someone hasn't grown up around a particular race before, then there is more of a chance the person can be racist toward that particular group. Not all the time, but when the person has already been fed negative stereotypes, and does not have the actual real life experiences with at least one within the particular group the subject of hate, then the chances of racism are increased. This is why it is important for children to be around other races at a young age to ensure they get to meet others that are different and to be comfortable around them so as to help counterbalance any false stereotypes they may encounter in the future.

Selfishness

Selfishness is another obvious cause of racism. Humans are sometimes very selfish creatures caring only about their own at the expense of others. If individuals aren't taught how to respect others, then the potential for the person to become racist is increased as well.

Sociologist and Phycologist Darren Hiebert states:

“Racism, the most obvious transgression against the Oneness of Mankind, is undoubtedly an insidious 

problem in our society and one which social developments are increasingly compelling us to address. Unfortunately, however, this word has too often come to be synonymous with the problem itself, rather than as the most extreme expression of the real problem. One of the most important points is that the real problem is this: failure to recognize and promote the spiritual principle of unity, thereby leading to discomfort with, and avoidance of, being around those who are different from us.”

- He is basically stating that we are all human and we shouldn't discriminate against anyone because of skin colour, religion, language, or customs.