Theos-Talk Archives (March 2003 Message tt00180)

“Yes; and now we are in the midst of a conflicting
people, of an obstinate, ignorant people seeking to
know the truth, yet not able to find it for each seeks
it only for his own private benefit and gratification,
without giving one thought to others…”
M
(Mahatma Letters)

Racism have got a long history into human society and
it’s based on avidya, (ignorance) and fear. Through
history we can see the need to form groups, religions,
to build systems gravitating around common interests. 

When one of this several manifestations into the human
society becomes stronger results in segregation from
others and in an open, underground, or even
sub-conscious process of self-importance and
uniqueness.

Every group is built upon the believe that they are
better than others, of course a believe that reflects
the self still immersed into Maya. Very few are those
that can get rid of Maya’s chains and to understand
that the well being of one can’t be isolated from the
well being of all. 

Of course to reach such point one have to go through
the most terrible battle, facing our great enemy,
which is our own self. This as Krishna mentions is the
hardest path and is what Bhagavad-Gita is all about.
Our inner enemies, hidden demons, fears and shadows
once they wake up, it can lead us into our ruin or
great glory. The result is unknown! Not only, very few
are those that can start this journey. This is a very
well emphasised in the whole range of the Theosophical
literature, as well, in the heart of several religious
and philosophical systems. 

The racism is an expression of the self, still
revolving deformed performances within human
ignorance! Many in the society were still are victims
of racism: Jewish people have been during different
periods of history persecuted, women, black people,
immigrants, members of different religious systems,
the very system of cast in the Hinduism is an
expression of a cruel racism etc, etc, etc.

Let’s see one form of racism expressed in the Talmud: 

"The Jews are called human beings, but the non-Jews
are not humans. They are beasts." 
Talmud: Baba mezia, 114b

"The Akum (non-Jew) is like a dog. Yes, the scripture
teaches to honor the the dog more than the non-Jew."
Ereget Raschi Erod. 22 30

"Even though God created the non-Jew they are still
animals in human form. It is not becoming for a Jew to
be served by an animal. Therfore he will be served by
animals in human form." 
Midrasch Talpioth, p. 255, Warsaw 1855

Racism with immigrants:

“At age ten, I immigrated from China to Oakland,
California, a city filled with crime, poverty, and
racial tension. In elementary school, I didn’t wear
name-brand clothing or speak English. My name soon
became "Ching Chong," "Chinagirl," and "Chow Mein."
Other children laughed at my language, my culture, my
ethnicity, and my race. I said nothing.”

I could take endless citations about racism against
Jews, women etc. But I think it’s pointless. I just
brought up the subject once I was reflecting about it.
So I think when we discuss about racism it’s not fair
to limit it only into one group of the society, this
is to have the eyes wild shut to the great problematic
of racism.

Best Regards,

Erica Letzerich


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