‘Racism’ is a widely prevalent characteristic of the world, which refers to how people are discriminated against based on colour, caste, gender and religion. People that are dark-skinned, lower caste or women are treated brutally. Why are dark-skinned not allowed to wear clothes of their choice? Why can’t they live life on their terms? Why are they judged and mocked for the each step they take?

We live in a democratic state for the sake of reputation but none of the rights that are provided with democracy are given. It is difficult to digest the fact that even in such a modern world, people are being discriminated against. Why can’t people understand this simple fact? Everybody is different and unique in their own way and that is their power. God has made each and every person the way they are for a reason. If everyone were the same, then the beauty of humanity would be lost.

Nobody has the right to treat other people cruelly just because of their skin colour. In the end, we all are humans and require the same amount of love and respect. We have so many examples in our society where the dark-skinned people have broken all the stereotypes, faced wrath of people but still proved themselves. From Barack Obama to Priyanka Chopra and Usian Bolt to Oprah Winfrey they have inspired zillions and continue to impress us with their charm and work. Dark-skinned people have gained success, love and respect in all the fields and they have taught the world a lesson that a person’s skin colour is nothing and it is their work and character that ultimately speaks.

It is shameful that even after so many years, after the Civil Rights Movement, human beings still have such a small thinking. Revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela sacrificed his life to get rid of the slavery system. A single individual created such a huge change! Then why can’t we also do the same? When a single individual can do it, then why can’t 7.8 billion people contribute in making the world a better place to live in?

Thinking about black lives, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi founded the ‘Black Lives Matter’ Movement on 13 July 2013. As the name suggests, it is a decentralized movement in protest against police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-American people. It is a non-violent movement where people associated are risking their lives to save the lives of the innocent, dark-skinned people. If human beings had changed their mindset then, there would not be so many lives at stake now.

Small differences in the way of thinking will lead to a very big improvement. Dark-skinned people should be treated with the same respect as the rest, they should be given an opportunity to prove themselves and firstly discrimination should be stopped. Even the people who are mistreated should not tolerate it and should fight for their self-respect. It is high time for all to bring good changes so that there will not be a requirement of any such movements and equal rights is provided to all.