There have been a few experiences that I have experienced that relate to bias and prejudice. One of the most important examples was in relation to my father. I am very close with my family. My father has been asked several times if he is a member of the KKK. He has dark, thick hair and a thick mustache. He jokes around at times, but is very serious when he needs to be. He has been asked at church, shopping, school and several other examples if he was a member of the KKK. There have been several of my sister's friends that will not come over because they say he was either in the KKK or looks like he was in the KKK. My father was not in the KKK and it is very offensive to him that he is judged based on his looks. People will not take the time to get to know him because of his looks. My sister's friends will not even listen to her and believe that he was not in the KKK. It is also judgmental because they are stereotyping the individuals that are or were in the KKK. This is not appropriate.
This example diminishes equity is several ways. One of the ways that it diminishes equity is because it makes the individuals that are in the KKK feel less superior to other individuals. Not only does it make those individuals fell less superior, but it also makes my dad discouraged and feel as though he is being judged. If people do not take the time to get to know someone, even if they are or were a member of the KKK, that does not mean that they are a bad person.
This incident brought up several emotions. The main emotion that is brought up is frustration. The main reason that it brings frustration is because they are judging my father without even knowing him. It also brings up the emotion or dislike.
The people that would have to change would be the individuals that are judging and stereotyping my father. My father is not doing anything wrong, therefore he does not need to change anything.
Chelsea, Its sad that people are misjudged so often based on their physical appearances. As you stated, if people got a chance to know him, they would think differently. Some people are so quick to judge others. People should treat others as they want to be treated. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChelsea,
ReplyDeleteI have been afraid of the KKK most of my youth because of the stories I was told and the movies I saw. The KKK marched through my hometown one day in 1995. It was almost funny the way people reacted. Over time, their threat and power has decreased. As a result, I agree that you father should not be judged based on his looks. Also, people should research an organization before passing judgment. Thank you for sharing your story.
Chelsea, It is amazing how people judge others on their looks or the color of ones skin. We should educate ourselves on other cultures and diversity before we assume someone is affiliated with an organization or part of a certain culture. Thank you for your post.
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