Racism Not Always Based on Color

The problem with race in America is not mainly about color - black or white. It's about physical features and whether one's ancestry includes slavery.

Photo: Racism Not Always Based on Color

Racism Not Always Based on Color

I am an Asian Indian (from India) and I am also an American citizen (i.e. Indian American). Indian Americans have the same dark brown and even black skin complexion as many African Americans, but Indian Americans, for the most part, do not have to deal with the same degree or extent of racism as African Americans in the United States. In fact the U.S. government in 1970 classified Indian Americans as Caucasian ("White") because of their skull shape and physical features. However, the Indian American Association pressured the U.S. government to change the classification of Indian Americans from Caucasian or "White" to Asian during the 1980 census so that Indian Americans could have the same legal protections and benefits belonging to minorities.

Because Indian Americans don't have the stigma of an ancestry of slavery in the U.S. and because they have, for the most part, Caucasoid features they do not suffer, for the most part, the same degree of prejudice and racism as African Americans even though both share the same skin complexion.

In the U.S. children who are born to Asian Indians and Whites are not called "Black," but children born to African Americans and Whites are called "black."

The problem with race in America is much deeper than skin color. We must confront and deal with the actual problem before we can get beyond race in America.

Regardless of how we look, we all are created equally in God's image, and we must hold that truth above everything else. God is grieved by racism. Imagine if you were a pet owner of a bull dog and German Shepherd. You love both dogs very dearly, but one dog hates the other because of how it looks.

Please read the author's article "The Racist German Shepherd and The Bull Dog" here.

The author, Babu G. Ranganathan, has his bachelor's degree with concentrations in theology and biology and has been recognized for his writings on religion and science in the 24th edition of Marquis "Who's Who In The East". The author's articles may be accessed at http://wwww.religionscience.com