Because racism is not like jealousy or selfishness, it is not a primal urge or a basic instinct, it is a 400-year-old political and economic system that has infected our institutions, our culture and even our thinking.

The quote by David Olusoga, "Because racism is not like jealousy or selfishness, it is not a primal urge or a basic instinct, it is a 400-year-old political and economic system that has infected our institutions, our culture and even our thinking," emphasizes that racism is a constructed and systemic problem rather than a natural human tendency. Olusoga distinguishes racism from innate emotions like jealousy, highlighting that it is a learned and perpetuated social system with deep historical roots.

By describing racism as a 400-year-old political and economic system, the quote underscores how it has been institutionalized, shaping laws, policies, and social norms over centuries. Olusoga points out that this systemic nature allows racism to permeate cultural attitudes and even the way people perceive and think, making it far more pervasive and enduring than individual acts of prejudice or personal selfishness.

The origin of the quote comes from David Olusoga, a British historian, broadcaster, and writer specializing in the history of slavery, empire, and race relations. Olusoga’s work often examines the long-term structural impact of racism, emphasizing that understanding its historical and institutional roots is key to addressing its persistence in modern society.

Ultimately, the quote challenges readers to recognize that racism is systemic rather than merely personal. Olusoga encourages a shift in focus from blaming individuals to addressing structural inequalities embedded in institutions, culture, and collective thinking, highlighting the necessity of informed action and historical awareness to combat entrenched social injustice.