Prejudice-By-Numbers

We're all biased.  We all harbor prejudice.  We should better appreciate our own prejudices instead of examining prejudice in others. 

We aren't born with prejudice.  But we are born with minds that tend to point us in certain directions.   How do our minds getting pointed in the direction of prejudice?

1.  Lack of Familiarity

First, there is a contrast between one thing and another.  The mind will always spot the contrast.  There is me, and then there is the other.  I am quite familiar with me.  But what do I know about the other? 

2. Suspicion & Distrust

Perhaps he has a gun, or maybe it's just a hateful disposition.  He doesn't smile when we meet.  Is he going to attack me? If he gets too close I'll have to be ready to defend myself.

3. Assumptions

The others in his group do lot of bad things. That's what I heard. Some people don't want to talk about it, but it's getting worse.  One guy in our group is talking about it.  He's getting criticized but, the truth is, a lot of people think the same thing.  They just don't want to admit it.

4. Like Minds

I'm going join forces with the people who understand how it really is.  The others are getting more powerful and we have to stop them.  We have to do it now, before it gets worse.  It's not that we don't want them around, but we have to protect our way of life.  It's that simple.

Another Direction

There many dots, and your mind will want to connect them.  But, there are many ways to connect the dots.  Take your time and use a number 2 pencil if you feel you must.   But don't feel you have to connect the dots quickly.  There is no time limit, and you are free to change your answers at anytime.