Hyperborean

“Democracy is deeply rooted in this country (Sweden). We respect the basic freedoms and human rights. Murky racial theories haven never got a foothold. We gladly see ourselves as unprejudiced and tolerant, yet it’s not that simple.
The prejudice has a much simpler origin. The prejudice always has it’s roots in the daily life. It sprouts at the workplace and in the neighbourhood. It’s an outlet for your own failures and disappointments. It is especially an expression of ignorance and fear. Ignorance of other people’s distinctive character, fear of losing a position, a social privilege, your “right” of option. A humans colour of skin, race, language and place of birth has nothing to do with human qualities. Ranking people with such gauge is on the contrary to the principle of human equality.
But it is shamefully simple to use for the one who feels inferior, at work, at social life, at the competition for the girl or the boy.
That is why the prejudice always awaits around the corner, even in an enlightened society. It can come out in a thoughtless line a comment. Maybe the one who acts doesn’t have so bad intentions, but for the one who gets hit, it might tear up wounds that never heal.”

Olof Palme