How did race come to be used as a tool of domination - Essay Example

How did race come to be used as a "tool of domination?" Racism relates to discrimination against a group of people based on their skin color. As seen in the work of Selfa, racism has remained to be a major ideology in many societies (1). This leads to a discussion of how racism became common and prevalent in societies that have more than one race. Racism traces its roots to the times when capitalism was the main ideology in societies. Capitalism led to the birth of slave trade, where the Europeans termed themselves as the superior race (Selfa 1).

They, therefore, believed that they were justified to dominate the Blacks who had no option, but to live under the mercies of the Whites. As Selfa indicates, Africa became the commercial hub, where the Whites would not only get the raw materials for their industries, but also free labor from African slaves who would work in the industries and plantations (1). On the other hand, the Whites also took over India where they got slaves who would work in their African colonies (Selfa 1). This explains the existence of White supremacy and the same culminates in the present day society.

Africans are still relying on their colonial masters. In comparison to the other races, Africans claim the lowest part in the hierarchy, the Asians follow while the Whites still dominate. One would also justify that racism and capitalism are correlated as Africans rely on the Whites for economic support. They lost their ability to maintain their economic ability as their vital labor was taken up by slave trade. Work CitedSelfa, Lance. “Slavery and the origins of racism.” International Socialist Review, 26 (2002): 1. Print.