PREJUDICE -[1]- Preconceived judgment or opinion [2]- an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.
* [please note that as per definition [2], it can be reversed when given the correct information and proper education]
I believe I am open minded, I believe most of the antonyms listed apply to me. I am fairly well educated, well traveled, I have a keen interest in Sociology, Anthropology and History.however I have discovered that many of us, including myself ARE prejudice regardless of what we may think or how 'cultured' we may be.
I know that in many cases, and in fact I want to believe that among those people I count as friends it [prejudice] occurs subconsciously.
EXAMPLES-
Intelligence-During the recent miraculous rescue of the Chilean miners my Son who is a Paramedic and my Daughter-in-Law who is also a Paramedic and a Nursing student were discussing the medical condition of the men and my son said "I wonder how they knew the one guy had Diabetes.", we had foolishly assumed that because these people, looked different and spoke differently than we that they were somehow less intelligent than us. In further discussion we realized that the people of Chile were a genetic combination of the vast and powerful Spanish Empire and indigenous people who preformed brain surgery with stone implements thousands of years ago when our European Ancestors were still painting on cave walls with their hands.The accident which trapped them was a natural phenomenon while similar accidents in this country are caused by poor mine construction and unsafe operation.
Religion- I am not talking about the historic prejudice which exists between members of the major religious groups in the world but the divisions which exist within each group. Each group has "denominations", "sects" or branches with-in it. This is an area,again, where I have always felt I was above the fray. We all have a specific 'type' of church where we feel most comfortable and are able to receive the teaching and fellowship I know we all need..I have been very vocal about the fact that "denominational-izm" is a serious problem which keeps many out of fellowship and seriously effects individuals and society.Recently we have been experiencing transportation problems and have not been able to attend the church of our 'choice'. SHAME ON ME I live. less than a 'stones throw' from a wonderful church, whose Pastor I respect, which has many members I know and like and is attended by my Son, Daughter-in-Law and two and 8/9's of my Grand Children. Many parents have concerns about their children not attending church and I have allowed long ingrained 'prejudice' prevent me from enjoying hearing G-D's word preached and sharing in Christian Fellowship with my Family.
Gender- This is still a very touchy subject all over the world all 'sides' must admit that physically and emotionally there are vast differences in how information is processed and the actions which result from that process. [please refer to "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"
] I consider myself to be very sophisticated and enlightened in regard to gender bias.I do believe that there is a natural and genetic code which assigns specific roles to individuals. For those who hold to the theory of evolution it is clear from observation of various other species including our , supposed closest "relatives" that there are distinct differences between the genders.Differences in reaction and function within the group.While we have made great 'progress' in erasing gender bias in the work place, politics and family roles we must realize that there are vast differences not in intellect but in instinct.
I know that in many cases, and in fact I want to believe that among those people I count as friends it [prejudice] occurs subconsciously.
EXAMPLES-
Intelligence-During the recent miraculous rescue of the Chilean miners my Son who is a Paramedic and my Daughter-in-Law who is also a Paramedic and a Nursing student were discussing the medical condition of the men and my son said "I wonder how they knew the one guy had Diabetes.", we had foolishly assumed that because these people, looked different and spoke differently than we that they were somehow less intelligent than us. In further discussion we realized that the people of Chile were a genetic combination of the vast and powerful Spanish Empire and indigenous people who preformed brain surgery with stone implements thousands of years ago when our European Ancestors were still painting on cave walls with their hands.The accident which trapped them was a natural phenomenon while similar accidents in this country are caused by poor mine construction and unsafe operation.
Religion- I am not talking about the historic prejudice which exists between members of the major religious groups in the world but the divisions which exist within each group. Each group has "denominations", "sects" or branches with-in it. This is an area,again, where I have always felt I was above the fray. We all have a specific 'type' of church where we feel most comfortable and are able to receive the teaching and fellowship I know we all need..I have been very vocal about the fact that "denominational-izm" is a serious problem which keeps many out of fellowship and seriously effects individuals and society.Recently we have been experiencing transportation problems and have not been able to attend the church of our 'choice'. SHAME ON ME I live. less than a 'stones throw' from a wonderful church, whose Pastor I respect, which has many members I know and like and is attended by my Son, Daughter-in-Law and two and 8/9's of my Grand Children. Many parents have concerns about their children not attending church and I have allowed long ingrained 'prejudice' prevent me from enjoying hearing G-D's word preached and sharing in Christian Fellowship with my Family.
Gender- This is still a very touchy subject all over the world all 'sides' must admit that physically and emotionally there are vast differences in how information is processed and the actions which result from that process. [please refer to "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"
] I consider myself to be very sophisticated and enlightened in regard to gender bias.I do believe that there is a natural and genetic code which assigns specific roles to individuals. For those who hold to the theory of evolution it is clear from observation of various other species including our , supposed closest "relatives" that there are distinct differences between the genders.Differences in reaction and function within the group.While we have made great 'progress' in erasing gender bias in the work place, politics and family roles we must realize that there are vast differences not in intellect but in instinct.TO BE CONTINUED......
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