Why self hate is the bedfellow of racism

One of the biggest legacies of racism is self hate.
It’s where years of subliminal - actual - direct - and indirect discrimination causes the individual /s to internalise events as though they are somehow at fault.

If - in a society - messages of all that is good appear to be all that you are not - the ability to remain steadfast in your beliefs and culture can become more and more difficult.
Many people - as a result of witnessing what can happen to those who speak out - or try to fight an entrenched system - decide the best option is to remain silent - to try their best to fit in with the status quo – and to assimilate into the system as much as possible - If not by appearance – then by way of thought – lifestyle - attitude and beliefs.
Some confuse this with multiculturalism

Yet multiculturalism is not about denial of one’s self and differences – it’s not about denial of who you are – it’s not about accepting your way as not quite as good as the majority - it’s about ( at the very least ) acknowledgement - respect and belonging
It's feeling as though - and knowing for a fact – that you have a natural right - as opposed to rights as indicated by law.
It’s that natural sense of entitlement that is not always felt by minorities.

Denial of one’s self can eventually metamorphose into self hate - and self hate - will grab hold of the baton passed by racism quicker than Usain Bolt if one’s not careful.

Picture this – in a relay - the baton is passed from one runner to the other with the aim of reaching the end with the baton still intact.
That is how this form of neo racism works. Those who are not mindful will internalise derogatory and- or oppressive messages to the point where they not only hate themselves – but others who look like – or remind themselves of - them.

This is where the baton is passed. The person on the receiving end of this bizarre but obvious form of discrimination may (unless they stall – fumble and drop the baton ) decide that the problem again - is them – that there is something intrinsically wrong with them - thereby forming a dislike not only of themselves - but (you guessed it) others who look like them - and this - is the cycle - the never ending relay - this - is when the oppressed (often unwittingly ) become oppressors.

Laws do not effect change – people do
And to do that - to really effect change - takes courage and it takes bravery.
I dare you – to dare yourself
I dare you to love what you see – love your difference - love your reflection manifested in others
Want change?
Know your worth
Do yourself a favour...drop the baton!