- What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.
A particular time about 7 years ago I was shopping in a Vietnamese owned beauty supply store. From the time that I walked through the door until the time I approached the register to pay for my items I was followed and watched around the store. I felt insulted and disrespected that they would feel the need to follow me around the store, as if I were a thief. I am assuming I was followed because the storeowners felt as though African American people are shoplifters. I was stereotyped, followed and watched based on the storeowners’ preconceived biases and stereotypes of African Americans. I felt insulted and very humiliated from the entire experience and I hope that since then, the storeowner has gained a more positive outlook of African American people and has learned to be more intimate with different cultural groups in order to overcome biases and stereotyping.
- In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
The prejudice that I experienced diminished equity because non of what I experienced that day while in that store was fair. I was wrongly stereotyped and it made me feel inferior. I did not feel hate towards my social identity group but I did feel confused and insulted. Equity is about everything that is morally correct and humane. I made many judgements about the store owners values and respect for diversity and differences based on how I was treated.
- What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
This incident made me feel angry, upset, insulted and sort of made me develop stereotypical thoughts about some Asian store owners. According to Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) "stereotypes can keep us from seeing each person as a unique, whole person fully deserving of our respect" (p. 23). But because I have been educated about diversity and open to learning about different social identity groups, I have not allowed one bad experience to alter my view of engaging in intimate conversations with other Asians.
- What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
Other people's prejudice and stereotypical behaviors have encouraged me to push for greater equity amongst "isms". We must be the change in order to promote or encourage change. As I stated earlier, the only way to push for greater equity is intimately conversing with integrated groups of people and then teaching the importance of diversity amongst children within the EC field. EC professionals have the power to encourage children to embrace differences as well as be open to diversity.
I too have been through this. Once I realized I was truly being watched and followed I left the store and went to another. I can understand that store owners may have had experiences with certain groups of people but it does not give them the right to stereotype all people in that group.
ReplyDeleteWow, Passion, if that isn't a flat out stereotypical slap in the face! I have seen that same scenario played out in the movies. African America man walks into an Asian ran store, and the owner follows the fella around the whole time he is in there. These types of scenes are made to make people laugh, however, they are a major contributor to societal stereotyping. As a fellow human, I am sorry you had to have this experience based on the color of your skill. I know as a white person entering the same store, chances are I would not have this type of treatment. And that is just not right.
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