“What is the Antidote for Racism?” The Answer May Surprise You!
- Asad Khan

- May 9, 2020
- 4 min read
“What is racism?” “What do you have to do to be labeled a racist?” these are both questions that are wondered by many. Racism is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as: A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences. So what do you have to do to be racist? It is quite simple really, if you believe that another person is inferior to your race, then you are a racist. If you believe that Muslims, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, etc. are inferior because you are white, you are a racist. Racism is a term that can be applied to all races; however, it is most commonly found in the white race. So what is the cure for this virus that indeed effects millions on a daily basis? Well, I am here to tell you, so don’t you worry!
First, a backstory on why I am qualified to give this advice. I am not a doctor, I am not a scientist, for I am a Muslim in a small town that ran for s City Election. You would think that a City Election would not be a big deal right? For a Muslim in a small minded community you would be surprised. Now, are all white people racist? Absolutely not! But there are still some, and like the Coronavirus it is best to stand away from them. People do not ask for special treatment, they just ask for equal treatment. Is that such a big deal? No! However, they are still put down. A question I get a lot is “Does it still count as racism if it is against whites?” or “Does racism count towards Christians?” Yes, it absolutely does; however, it is not at the extent that others go through. But it still happens, and it is just as wrong. No one on the face of this earth should be treated as a second class, period! Sadly, people still do, and show the ignorance of saying that “There is no hate here”. Those who spread hate, do not see hate. Those who are racist, do not see themselves as racist. It is up to us as a society to point it out and help fix this disease. This does not mean that we need to start fights. This does not mean we turn violent. This means we sit down and come together. We all have common ground, and if we just sit and listen, we will guaranteed walk away pleased.
This brings me to my first antidote, TURN OFF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA! We live in a world today that the majority of our time is spent getting all Red Hot Chilled Peppered up and someone on Facebook. Now, I know what you are thinking. How will I be able to see those cute cat photos and my family member’s constant updates about food and questions that makes you mad that they did not explain (Example: “Worst day of my life! I’m so done with your crap. Bye Bye “). Turning off your social media and just having a conversation does wonders. Eye contact is key, and when face to face YOU DO NOT FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO SCREAM IN ALL CAPS WITH A BUNCH OF UN-NECISSARY EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is the next cure? Turn off the news. Whether it is Fox, NBC, CNN, Etc. just turn it off. News organization’s main goal is to get you to watch their show and get riled up to watch more. Turn it off and do your own research. Create your own opinions, and do not just let some news-anchor in a fancy suit worth more than Jenkin’s house tell you what your opinions are. As American citizens we have the freedom of believing what we want to believe in. I am just saying for the sake of your dignity, fact check. Blind following is a problem that some on both sides of the political spectrum are guilty of. It is ok to have some conservative ideas while being liberal, it is also okay to have some liberal ideas while being conservative. Do what YOU believe is best for our country, not what society tries to tell you to do. But one thing I will stress, is that you have the right to believe in what you want to believe in, and I have the same right as you to believe in what I want to believe. However, trying to destroy someone else’s life just because you do not agree with what they believe is not the American way. We are all put on this earth for a reason, and trying to destroy others is not that reason.
This now brings me to my last and final point. What is the best cure for racism? Travel… We as the human race tend to try to go more with the philosophical way of a herd morality, discussed by the great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. This means that we tend to stick more together with the people we know or in the same group, therefore a herd type mentality. What we need to do is break away from the herd. With doing so, you will be able to see different cultures and realize that they are very similar to you. Whenever you do not have an experience with other cultures, you tend to stereotype and judge them a bit more. Now, this does not mean you have to go to Dubai to figure this out. This means any travel to a bigger area, taking part in different cultures, or just talking to them, lets you cross that barrier and see that everyone is equal.
So now my friends this article is coming to an end. As staff of Mountaineer News, Producer of “Coffee Anyone”, one of the new young face of hope in Buckhannon, and the star of “Pros and Khans”, I invite you to check out more of our content and treat everyone with respect. After all, we only live once, so don’t go down an A$$hole.
Thank you…
AsadKhanMediaLLC




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