The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

My first clear memory of witnessing prejudice and bias was in 1985/6 when I went to the movies and watched “The Colour Purple”.  Living as a black in a predominantly black country, I never had to face prejudice and bias.  

However, when I watched the movie and witnessed the story of Sofia living as a black in Georgia, U.S.A. in the thirties, it frightened me.      To see a strong black, assertive and independent woman being reduced to total helplessness because of her response to a white woman was eye-opening. 

Watching that movie made me come to the realisation that despite the fact that we are all humans, we do not treat each other equally.  We demean each other based on cultural conceptions of what might be the norm or what is accepted by the majority or the dominant cultural group.  The movie brought a lot of sadness to me because although it was a fictional account, it was a representation of what happened for many years in many countries.  In addition, it still continues in many places but in a more hidden and subtle way which can be more damaging to the psyche of those who are at the receiving end.

For there to be greater equity, the hearts of people have to change towards those who are different from them.   Get to know persons who are different from you, experience their culture.  Educate yourself about another culture, race, sex, or religion.  Keep an open mind.