"To live anywhere in the world today and be against equality because of race or color is like living in Alaska and being against snow."
-William Faulkner
This quote, by William Faulkner, holds true in every aspect of life today. Over the course of the past two months, there have been many stories in the news with various incidents involving prejudice acts. For example, there was an incident on Friday in which former Nobel Winner, biologist Jim Watson--noted for playing a role in discovering the double-helix structure a of DNA, commented on the intelligence of blacks versus the intelligence of whites. He basically stated that he was "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours, whereas all the testing says not really." He went on to say that while he hoped everyone was equal, "people who have to deal with black employees find this is not true." For more on this here are two links: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/10/18/nobel.apology/index.html and http://news.aol.com/story/_a/dna-nobelists-comments-about/n20071019021809990003. Growing up, I was taught that the degree of a person's intelligence is based on how an individual learns or sees the world; but, I guess that is not being taught anymore. Another example would be of the infamous Jena 6. I am sure you all have heard the story coinciding with this; if not, here's more info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six. The incident with the Jena 6 actually took place in December of 2006, but is publicized now, more than ever. One of my brothers is now 17 and also attends Georgia Perimeter College. He will be turning 18 in January and plans to vote in the upcoming elections. He has tried to register on various occasions, but has repeatedly been turned down and kicked out of facilities for what they would call 'harasment'. There were never any filed police reports, but the situation has gotten out of hand because he is not an 'adult' yet.
Acts of prejudice not only happens against age groups or races, but also against those of different religions, nationalities, and sexes. This is 2007 people, we need to come together as a nation, now more than ever (with a new president in the midst of a war and other countries 'allegedly' plotting against us). What do you think about this mindset in this day-and-age? Have you ever had any problems where someone was prejudice towards your age, sex, race, or religion?
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9 comments:
Unfortunately, he (watson) has had a record of statements that are rather inflammatory. He is, at least partially, from another era, a holdover though age should never be an excuse for prejudice. But the important thing to remember is not that he's rich, famous, esteemed, very intelligent, or even an old white guy, no, it's that he's human. And we humans all of us have flaws and bad sides and your place in society doesn't change that.
I think someone who is obviously intelligent but racially inhumane should be excluded from the conversation. Again, there's obviously some emotional, mental, or medical problem at work here.
I think everyone has experienced prejudice at one time or another. I was raised to be tolerant of other races, religions, etc. My parents' friends were a mixture of different ethnicities so I was exposed to other cultures early on. I think it's a shame when people make ignorant comments like Watson did. His mindset is in part due to his upbringing, age, etc. I don't think that's an excuse though. Especially since he's such an esteemed and intelligent person he should be more careful with his words.
I've experienced prejudice and have also witnessed alot of prejudice. Unfortunately it is still very much alive, especially in America. I think that Watson's comments were absolutely ridiculous and ignorant. He more than likely grew up with parents that had those same views.
I have experienced racism at every job that I have every worked. I think that we all tend to generalize a certain group that we do not belong to. I have a problem when someone uses violence and propaganda to spread racism.
I have never personally witnessed prejudice for myself. Although i think that it is far past times for these type things to be still going on.
Yes prejudice is still around even in the 21st Century. What do I think about this mindset in this day-and-age? I am not surprised. I myself have been prejudice towards others not because I intended to be ugly but merely because I don't approve of or understand their ways. Is this right? No. Not to mention some of us grow up in environments in which may see our peers and role models reflect on prejudice. Have I ever had any problems where someone was prejudice towards my age, sex, race, or religion? Yes, but that is life. Everyone is not going to like everybody. We all have different views. This world still has a long road ahead of us before we can agree with each other on about 70% of matters.
I have a problem with someone using their prejudices to harm or hold back another person. I do however appreciate the fact that this guy is upfront with it. You should be more afraid of the quiet person that uses a more subtle form of predujice to hurt or harm someone.
I have experienced prejudice in more than one way. As silly as it might sound being a caucasian woman raising a bi-racial child in the south can be fustrating. First my son's father's mother hated me, and she out right said because I am caucasian. Not to mention members of my family still do not speak to me. And people are asking me "what is he?" like he is an allien. I hate that!
Then also I have experience prejudice because of my age. Like I have said before I am raising my younger sister. Every time we go to do things like enroll her in school, go to a new doctor, or even some times just meeting her friends parents it is always a pain. People look at me like I am lying about being her guardian, paper in hand. Her friend's parents have said thing like we don't trust her because she is so young. Nevermind my house is usually bigger than theirs, my sister's grades are better than their childs, and my sister is never in trouble in school,and it is just one of me.
It really stupid to PRE JUDGE someone. To me prejudce=ignorence
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