The Ideology of Racism: My understanding Essay Example

of society further magnifying the inequalities racism creates (Bochel C., 2004).The demonising of the black race started with the definition of the words black and white. Black was considered negative and attributed to evil and death, While white was for holiness and beauty.

as far back as 2 A.D Blacks were being referred to as Devils. Granville Sharp, one of the first campaigners for the abolition of the slave trade realised how effectively implemented the racism ideology truly was. When he campaigned in courts with other fellow intellects he was amazed to be confronted with English courts deciding that black people were not actually people but merchandise and infidels which excluded them from human rights. In the case of Gelly vs. Cleve 1694 a court ruled that "they are heathens so therefore a man may have property in them, and the court will take note they are heathens", highlighting how the ideology was prevalent right through society (Fryer, 1984).

Racism is a very effective ideology. The implementation of this ideology was essential for wider society to accept the barbaric conditions of slavery and colonialism. Ideology gains its capacity to influence thinking by becoming so engrained into society that it becomes a default way of thinking without being questioned. It is important for us as conscious members of society to challenge ideologies that promote such huge inequalities, unchallenged by our moral compass they can grow into the most horrific human experiences and we custodians of society will have to pay the price eventually (Thompson, 2003).