Racism and collective unconsciousness

In an interview, Barack Obama declared that the election of the first black president of the United States does not mean the end of racism. 

Indeed, it's unlikely that five centuries of Black stigma will disappear in just a few years. The truth is, we still live in a racist world. Artistic expressions, films and pop culture bear witness to this. Unfortunately, most of us choose to ignore it. 

When I traveled in Europe, I took the time to visit old churches. They were full with impressive paintings and sculptures. But one thing struck me: why, in Western Christian iconography, is the color black often associated with evil? Why is Satan usually depicted as a dark-skinned, half-human creature? 

I then realized that racism against blacks has long been rooted in the collective unconscious. To uproot it, we need to take a radical stand against racism in all its forms. This resistance must start with Black people themselves.

In the context of the Papuan struggle in Indonesia, I always invite the younger generation of Papuans to be proud of their Melanesian identity. Those with degrees and doctorates should not be ashamed to return to Honai (the traditional Papuan hut), to learn the noble values handed down by their ancestors. The koteka (penis sarong) is an attribute of Papuan manhood, by no means a sign of backwardness. 

To those who choose to be ignorant, I'd like to say: "Perhaps it's not worthy for you, who are said to be clean and civilized, to live side by side with us Papuans. But remember that we Blacks are perhaps more civilized in our attitude and consciousness because we were born with love."