What is the origin of racism in America?

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Is the following an adequate explanation of modern racism in America as a vestige of slavery? (This is specific to the black & white races).

"It is true that the institution of slavery was not a practice unique to America. Slavery is a very old institution and it is almost as old as human societies. Some African nations engaged in trade such as the nation of Opobo, where King Jaja ruled a vast land and accumulated property but was himself a slave.

Africans such as Madame Tinubu opposed the practice as American slavery did not recognize the basic human rights of slaves.

However, unlike American slavery, justification for bondage in other cultures was not confused with the notion of superiority and inferiority based on the color of one's skin.

This notion was later invoked as justification for black slavery in America.

In essence, the distinctive difference in American slavery is that it introduced an element that was never considered before in other societies: racism. "
 
Every society that has ever existed has had racism of some sort.

It is human nature to be afraid of people who appear "different" in some way, or else are not from around here.

White Europeans had a problem with slavery, because it appeared to be against Christian traditions. But since most Africans were not Christian, and looked different then white "humans", then it was easier for European people to justify what they were doing.
 
I disagree because racism is an element that has existed since the dawn of human existence and is found in every culture. The term race has changed meaning from nationality to color in regards to American slavery. For example, in Europe, the Germans would regard there nationality as a race and superior to the French. We in America would view them both as just "white". As the above given answer stated, African slavery allowed Europeans to focus their attention elsewhere against "non-Christian" Africa. It also allowed poorer Europeans to rise the social-economic latter at African expense. So was African slavery the beginning of racism? I believe no. I would say that it fueled racism and ingrained it deeper into the psyche of the nation.
 
I think that is an excellent statement and it think helps explain the strange persistence of racism in our own day. No if you coud figure out antisemitism I would greatly appreciate it.
 
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