Reflection 10

Reading this article has given me an insight in the importance of our actions and words. Whether we mean to say something or not, there is always someone out there who is being put down or being demeaned because of what we say. This article has also made me realize that we are all prejudicial in one way or another. We might not think we are because we don’t mean to be, but there are times that we may say something or act in a certain way that is interpreted differently to other. We may have not realized it then, but this is the way that we have been taught since we were young. We hear other people say things and perhaps even our parents say things that are prejudiced. We live in a household where we are surrounded by our own people and those who somewhat share similar interests and beliefs. As we are being introduced to different cultures and different people, we begin to realize the differences we have and become judgmental. Prejudice thoughts also come forth when we experience a conflict with someone who is culturally different than we are. After this conflict, we usually tend to categorize them and view them as an entire group rather than unique individuals.
I have a greater amount of respect for those people who are trying to make a difference in this world. One step at time, these individuals are trying to create a peaceful environment for all to enjoy. I also have respect for those who have admitted to being prejudiced at one point or another because this demonstrates what they have learned. The very first step in breaking such prejudicial patterns among people is by identifying your own problems. I can honestly say that I have made comments that seem prejudice. I know that I do not hate a certain race because I have always been able to communicate and get along with people from different parts of the world, but that does not mean that I have not made prejudiced comments. The things I have said have not been to intentionally hurt someone nor have they been said to that persons face. I have made prejudiced comments just because I thought they were humorous at the time. What has come to my awareness is that it doesn’t matter in what way you mean to say these comments, they are still considered prejudiced comments and they should be put to an end. If we all become attentive to the way that we act and to the things that we say, we can help make this change as well. Once we have helped ourselves, we will then be able to help those who are in greater need.