Different People, Different Reactions: Why Racism Hurts More Than Words

Racism and insults may look different on the surface, but they share something in common: they both come from words or actions that can hurt people deeply. In today’s world, racism is still very present even though many people believe we should have moved past it. Some argue that there are levels to racism: some forms are deliberate and full of hatred, while others are unintentional and may come from ignorance. Still, whether deliberate or not, racism causes pain and leaves lasting scars on individuals and society.

When people insult or mock others because of their race, skin colour, culture, or background, it is more than just words. It affects the person’s sense of self-worth and dignity. Racism often begins with insults, and over time, it can grow into discrimination and unfair treatment. That is why in sports, workplaces, schools, and even online spaces, we hear about racist slurs being punished. Rules are made to remind us that words matter and actions have consequences.

At the same time, it is important to understand that people handle insults differently. Human beings are not the same. Some people can hear an insult and brush it off as if it means nothing. They believe words can not define them, so they choose not to give power to the insult. On the other hand, some people find it hard to let go. For them, insulting words can cut deep, lowering their confidence and affecting their emotions. Neither group is wrong; it only shows that humans respond to stress and emotions in different ways.

This is also true when it comes to racism. Some people may say, “I don’t care if you call me that name,” while others will feel deeply hurt and may never forget it. The fact is that racism is not just about the words; it is about what the words represent, years of unfair treatment, inequality, and rejection. That is why even a single racist joke or slur can open old wounds and remind people of painful experiences.

Those who deliberately insult or mock others, whether through racist comments or personal abuse, show a lack of maturity and compassion. It is not reasonable behaviour because words can build or destroy. In truth, almost everyone has, at one point or the other, said something insulting to another person. Sometimes, it is out of anger, sometimes by mistake. But choosing to continue mocking or belittling people makes someone “less human” in the sense that they are ignoring the basic values of respect and kindness.

On the other side, there are people who don’t allow insults to control them. They see insults as part of life and refuse to give them importance. While this strength can be admirable, it doesn’t change the fact that insults and racism can harm society if they are left unchecked.

In the end, the world has so much racism today because people often fail to see the weight of their words and actions. Some excused themselves by saying it was just a joke, or they didn’t mean it. Others knowingly use racist behaviour to belittle others. Whatever the case, racism is real, and its effects are damaging. The truth is simple: if we treat people with respect and avoid using words that degrade others, the world would be a much better and fairer place for everyone.