Racism: The Elephant in the Room We Pretend Not to See

It's a common refrain that we're all a little bit racist, whether we like to admit it or not. And, as much as we'd like to think that we've moved past our racist tendencies in this day and age of globalization, it seems that the reality is far from it.

But let's be real here, we all have our biases, whether we're aware of them or not. It's human nature to categorize and stereotype, and it's something that's been ingrained in us since the dawn of time. So why should we be surprised that racism still exists, even in this supposed "enlightened" age of globalization?

Of course, there are those who would argue that globalization is the solution to racism, that by bringing different cultures and races together, we'll inevitably learn to see past our differences and embrace our shared humanity. But, as the great philosopher Immanuel Kant once said, "Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made." In other words, no matter how much we try to bend and shape human nature to fit our ideal of a post-racial society, we'll always be limited by our own biases and prejudices.

But it's not just human nature that's standing in the way of a truly globalized society. There are also structural factors at play, such as the legacy of colonialism and imperialism, which have left deep-seated power imbalances between different races and cultures. As the sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois pointed out, the "color line" has been a defining feature of human history, with white people on one side and people of color on the other. And, as much as we'd like to think that we've moved past this divide, it's still very much present in our world today.

And let's not forget the economic factors that contribute to racism and discrimination. Capitalism, with its relentless drive for profit, has always relied on the exploitation of marginalized groups, whether it be through slavery, indentured labor, or more subtle forms of exploitation. As the Marxist theorist Karl Marx argued, the "bourgeoisie" (the capitalist class) has always needed a "proletariat" (the working class) to exploit in order to maintain their power and wealth. And, as the world becomes increasingly globalized, the bourgeoisie has found new ways to exploit people of color and other marginalized groups through exploitative trade deals, sweatshop labor, and other forms of economic injustice.

So, is globalization really the solution to racism? It seems that the answer is a resounding "no." Despite all the talk of a "borderless world" and a "global village," the reality is that we're still very much divided by race, culture, and class. And, as long as these divisions exist, there will always be the potential for racism and discrimination to flourish.

In conclusion, the idea that we are all hiding our racism is not only a sad reality but also a simple fact. We may want to believe that we've moved past our racist tendencies, but the truth is that we still have a long way to go.