The Hidden Harm: How Left and Right Racism Divide Us and Damage Young Minds

Left and Right Racism

Explore how left- and right-wing racism deepen divisions, harm young people’s mental health, and block unity in the fight against discrimination. The power of the polarisation of left and right racism is a real issue. We need to see how it affects young people in society. Many are looking for a sense of belonging and identity in a time of increasing mental health issues.

Racism is harmful

Racism is harmful no matter where it comes from. Understanding these terms helps us recognise and address racism in all its forms.

Website - Youngminds - Racism and Mental Health

Left-Wing Racism and Right-Wing Racism

These are terms used to describe racist behaviours or beliefs that come from different parts of the political spectrum.

Left-Wing Racism

• Definition: Racist actions or attitudes within groups or movements usually promote equality and social justice.

• Example: Sometimes, people on the left might treat others from different racial backgrounds as if they always need help or can't do things on their own. Some individuals unintentionally feel undervalued or stereotyped.

Right-Wing Racism

• Definition: Racist actions or beliefs from more conservative or traditional groups often emphasise maintaining existing social structures.

• Example: Right-wing Racism can include believing that one race is better than others or opposing policies that aim to help minority groups, like affirmative action. It might also involve negative stereotypes about certain racial or ethnic groups.

Key Differences:

• Left-Wing Racism often happens even among people who generally support fairness and equality, sometimes through actions that unintentionally harm racial groups.

• Right-Wing Racism is more likely to involve explicit beliefs in racial superiority or support for policies that keep certain races in less favourable positions.

Racism divides us

The power of polarisation keeps people divided, so we argue about who is right instead of working together. By finding ways to understand each other, we can fight racism together.

What Racism does to our society

Creates Strong Divisions

People on the left and right often see each other as the “enemy” and focus more on blaming each other than on finding ways to stop racism. This division makes it harder for society to work together to fix the unfair treatment of different racial groups.

Encourages Stereotyping

Polarised People tend to believe negatively about the “other side.” For example, they might think of left-wing people as “fake” or “hypocritical” and right-wing people as “ignorant” or “hateful.” These stereotypes make it even harder for people to understand each other’s points of view.

Makes People Defensive

Each side thinks it’s the “right” side, so it doesn’t want to see any flaws in its group. This attitude prevents people from recognising any biased or unfair attitudes within their own side and prevents them from being open to change.

Spreads Extreme Views

When people only listen to others who agree with them, they may start to believe exaggerated or extreme ideas about the other side. As a result, people become even more divided and less willing to work together to fight racism.

Gets in the Way of Solving Problems

Left- and right-wing people agree on things like wanting a fairer society, but polarisation makes it hard to focus on those shared goals. By focusing on differences, they stop working together to make society better for everyone.

Our differences in opinion can work together.