Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

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

            In my life endeavors and dispositions, I have encountered, witnessed and experienced bias, prejudice and oppression occasioned by Racism. As known, Racism is the discrimination prejudice or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's Race is superior. I am from three different Races, but it seems the Black race is less superior compared to the White race. People from the black race are sometimes inaccurately persecuted and tormented while conducting their daily activities. In my area of residence which is a rural entity, the white race has a greater socio-economic and political power consequently determining their culture as the dominant culture. I remember an instance whereas some White-Raced persons were restricting Black-Raced people from gaining access to a public park. This incidence almost culminated into a conflict between the adverse parties. Also, it is also a norm to find Black people being arrested by the Police Department on baseless suspicion of being a criminal. Most black people especially young males are occasionally harassed and beaten up by the police department on frivolous grounds.  

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

            The bias, prejudice, and oppression in the frequencies stated above, contribute to the diminishing of equity in the society. Equity is beyond mere equality, and it is primarily focused on justice and fairness. Racism is still a menace in my society whereas, the less privileged Races are subjected to bias, prejudice, and oppression. The Black community race needs to be accustomed to aspects of justice and fairness like their counterparts i.e. the white community. The police department shouldn’t persecute Black persons on frivolous grounds. Whether one is of the Black or White race, he or she should be subjected to equal treatment before the law and government authorities.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

These incidences sometimes bring feelings of despair, hopelessness, and anguish in me. I am usually bothered by such incidences since I perceive that being partly Black too, I will be equally tormented or oppressed. The law enforcement authorities are the ones expected to preserve law and order and uphold equity, yet they are the people (this is just my opinion) who are furthering this negative voice. However, I still hope for a better, equitable, and justifiable society that exists in peace and harmony. 

What and/or who would have to change to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

This event can be transformed into an opportunity for increased equity by all persons in the society. It is not the responsibility of an individual to establish this change; it is the collective responsibility of all of us as community members. We need to embrace and comprehend the aspect of diversity and varying social identities. Though we are all human beings; we are accustomed to varying diversities that should create hostility and bias amongst us. We should understand this aspect from the childhood age so that we can be instilled with progressive morals that our human nature supersedes our diversities. Also, rational persons from the dominant cultures can seek to do equity and consequently leverage other members who persecute individuals from less dominant cultures to embrace equity. We need to embrace all diversities as to ensure equity in our society.

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Walden University M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

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Updated: 1.3.12