Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I have many memories of when friends, family members, or I have experienced some type of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression and I’m sure many of you have had the same experiences. These acts are very hurtful, hateful, and often unexplainable. Sometimes it is intentional and other times unintentional, but whatever the intent it is not fair or equal to anyone. I am an older adult. I lived during and witnessed integration of the schools. It was painful for both races black and white. We were just children living through adult’s hatred and fears. I would go to school scared of what might occur that day. Fights, slander, and biases in many different forms.

However, good did come out of these times. Many of us that lived during these times were able to move on and make a difference for our children. I established friendships that even today I cherish and I was able to teach my girls a way of acceptance. They too established friendships of both races and learn to love and care for people as equals.

The sad thing to me is that although our forefathers have fought so hard for equality bias, prejudice, and/or oppressions still exist. They always have and always will in some form. I think even if I live to be 100 years old people will not change. Yes, some do, but it will take more than just a few mindsets to change to make a difference in mankind’s existing biases and prejudices toward the human race.