Put a stop to the racial divide

HOW are we different from each other? We don’t all look the same. We have different skin tones, hair types, some of us are tall and some short.

We are all of different shapes, sizes and age groups. We dress differently, talk differently and are each unique in our outer appearance.

But are these superficialities (apparent, rather than substantial differences)? Really, what makes us different?

I can understand fruit or vegetables being separated according to outer appearance, but people? These apparent differences have been used to divide human beings since time immemorial.

Official documents still require racial classification. The more important question that should appear is: Are you a racist? Yes, No, Not Sure.

It is only when we speak to each other that we find we are, in fact, more similar than different. When allowed the opportunity to share our thoughts and opinions, we start bonding with like-minded people and the ostensible differences fall by the wayside. Our ideals and goals are in most cases very much the same.

Personality is the real differentiation, not race, accent, age or any other physical characteristic. These are the realities that bind like-minded people.

It is rather unfortunate that we are continually bundled, by race, with people with whom we seldom have much in common. This is at the centre of racial stereotyping, and keeps sowing discord.