9. Lack of Self-Awareness
Many people don’t see themselves as racist, but still hold unconscious biases. Without SELF-REFLECTION or EDUCATION, those biases go unchallenged and can affect their behavior or at least what they are willing to accept.

8. Propaganda and Misinformation
False information, especially when repeated over time, can shape people’s beliefs. Racist propaganda, conspiracy theories, or distorted media portrayals can all fuel prejudice.

7. Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Some people use racism to boost their own self-worth, especially if they feel insecure. Putting others down can serve as a twisted form of self-elevation.

5. Scapegoating and Economic Anxiety
In times of stress, people often look for someone to blame. Immigrants or marginalized groups are frequently targeted as scapegoats for broader problems like job loss, crime, or cultural change.

4. Desire for Power or Superiority
Some people use racism to justify dominance, control, or privilege. Racism has been used historically to rationalize slavery, colonization, and systemic inequality.

3. Learned Behavior
Racism is often passed down through families, communities, media, and systems. Kids absorb messages from the adults around them and from society at large, overt and subtle.

2. Ignorance and Lack of Exposure
Racism often grows where there’s little interaction between different groups. When people don’t have personal relationships with others from different backgrounds, they can easily believe stereotypes or dehumanizing narratives.

1. Fear of Difference (Tribalism)
Humans evolved in small groups and developed a natural caution toward outsiders for survival. This tribal instinct can morph into prejudice when people see others as "not like me."

Stumbled across your post this morning, I hope you get exactly what you need. Sending positive energy your way. ✨