THE PRICE OF RACISM

Humanity has set foot on the Moon, sent probes to distant planets, and ceaselessly sought new worlds across the vast cosmos. After centuries of progress, we finally possess the technology to undertake our first interstellar voyages.
But then, one day, as the first ship ventured into deep space, it was abruptly intercepted by an alien civilization far superior to humanity in every respect.
A signal was transmitted to Earth:
“Humanity is forbidden from setting foot on any other planet. You are not welcome here.”
The world plunged into panic. An emergency meeting was convened, bringing together top leaders, scientists, and diplomats.
After hours of deliberation, they decided to send a message of peace:
“You have misunderstood us. We come with good intentions. We seek neither war nor conquest. We wish only to explore, to learn, and to build friendships.”
A long silence followed.
Then, the aliens replied:
“We have been observing you for a very long time.”
“On your own planet, you erect borders, build walls, and instigate endless conflicts over a single concept: migrants.”
“You discriminate against one another based on skin color, birthplace, language, culture, and origins. Even members of the same species cannot bring themselves to live together in peace.”
“You demand that we open our doors to you, yet you yourselves are unwilling to do the same for your own kind.”
The signal fell silent for a few seconds. Then, the final message appeared on every screen across Earth:
“If humanity has not yet learned how to coexist on a single planet, why should we believe that you would live in peace with other planets?”