Kant's View On Racism

2224 Words5 Pages

Throughout history, the concept of racism has been heavily talked about but not explained. See, if you think back to the times in your life in which you were connected to this idea of racism. How was it interpreted by you? In our modern society, we get heavily influenced by the media and their interpretation of racism, but it is never actually said in stone how racism and racist theories come about within our minds and are displayed through our actions. Two texts heavily examine this idea of understanding the nature of racism. Lucy Allais's "Kant's Racism" examines the presence of racial bias within the philosophical framework of Immanuel Kant, particularly in his writings on anthropology and race. Allais argues that Kant's racial classifications and hierarchical views on race reflect the …show more content…

Stating, "In a country like the United States, where racist propositions were once part of the national ideology, there will be many who assent to racist propositions simply because they were raised to do so. Rational objection to racist propositions can change such peoples' beliefs" (page 10)". Ultimately, ingrained beliefs in the normalcy and validity of racism pose a formidable barrier to dismantling such ideologies and fostering genuine societal change, as they perpetuate a cycle of bias and discrimination that is deeply entrenched and difficult to overcome. In conclusion, the examination of racism and racist theories is not only inconsistent but also influenced by individuals' cognitive capacities to perceive and treat others in a racist manner. Reveals the intricate interplay of historical legacies, philosophical underpinnings, and individual beliefs. Through an exploration of Kant's racial theories and Appiah's analysis of racism's multifaceted nature, it becomes apparent that racism operates on both intrinsic and extrinsic levels, shaping individual attitudes and institutional

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