Roots of Racism

What does creed or color matter, is it worth a life?
We all know the answer, so why then all this strife?
Why stress every difference, when much more is the same
No matter what you look like or from where you came
Racism is all around, in many shapes and forms
And in too many places it has become the norm.

But where did it spring from, this overwhelming hate?
For all who are different, who opened the flood-gate?
So many roots are cited, each one as the true cause
But we should all take a second, think for just a pause
All around us, we can see the causes of this shame
And with so many reasons, can but one be to blame?

Influences of others, throughout our early years
Are but one small reason for all these future tears
Jealousy of others, all they own and all they do
Another reason for us to hate, and one that isn't new
Even loving your country, can inspire you to hate
Things far past, now history, can still make you irate

And when we all know that it's wrong, why is it that still
for differences between each race, people hurt and kill
If we can all just take some time, it's clear for us to see
So many more things similar, link both you and me

Though those with vision see, and those with brains realize
that racism is wrong, that it's hate founded on lies
The roots of this problem are in each and every one
Racism can never end till these roots are overcome