Looking back I wish I would have said something in return but at the moment my mind was so blank because his comments came out of nowhere. If I hadn't been so shocked I would have definitely informed him of how his comments were not okay and definitely not appreciated. My husband and I talked about the incident during dinner and we talked about how we felt very uncomfortable and angry with not only this man's comments but his blatant prejudice. He was not shy at all voicing his opinions and bias to us. I would assume he thought his comments would be okay to share with us since we are white. In order for there to be greater equity in this situation he would have to realize his prejudice and how it affects others. While I know that it is hard to change someone's mind especially if they have had these prejudice or biases most of their life I think letting someone know your own opinions about bias and prejudice can show how their actions and way of thinking is something that needs to be changed.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
Thinking about my life and what I see and observe around me, I can recall a few specific incidents where I have seen bias, prejudice, and oppression. These can be evident and observed in our society whether it be on TV or in personal experiences. While I cannot think of any specific incidences in my personal life I have been witness to a few. One specific incident of prejudice that I have seen was fairly recently. My husband and I were at a restaurant waiting for a table. While we were waiting a Hispanic family was about to be seated. Their party was rather large, probably about 6 people with most of the party being children. As they were walking to be seated a white gentleman leaned over to me and my husband and began to say "That's all America is now. It's all foreigners and minorities and soon us white people will be kicked out if they keep breeding like that" and then pointed to the family being seated. My husband and I were so in shock that we didn't know what to say and we just stared at him. He then walked away to wait for his table. His comments were very clear in the fact that he had specific prejudice with people of a different race and ethnicity as him.
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Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I have witnessed forms of prejudice such as this as well due to the Hispanic population growing in the Tri-State area. My husband and I have had this conversation several times because as a Project Manager for a solar company he has many workers that are from other countries working on work visas. Many of his co-workers complain about them making money to send home to their families. He mentions how they express their biases but really it seems like they are just fearful of losing their positions to these men whom have much stronger work ethics. They work really hard to get the job done with out spending all of their time complaining.
Nice job,
Jamie
Hey Heather,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, I appreciate your honesty when you spoke about being in shock from the words the man said. I'm the same way. I think I would have been at a loss for words. He should be quick to remember that "white folk" are the original immigrants to this nation. IF you could go back and say what you wanted what would you say?
Thanks!
Mitchell