Personal Narrative: The Language Barrier

Introduction What kind of society do we live in? A society full of misjudgment and stereotypes. A society where harsh glances and negative perceptions are guided by what we are told to believe. Where do these beliefs come from? As we encounter an individual, we share an experience; this experience is then stored away in our subconscious mind. Upon encountering another individual, these experiences from our subconscious mind, are used to predict potential behaviors of this individual (or what is known as a schema). These beliefs, guided by our subconscious, force us to perceive an individual as “different”. Different than society, different than the norms, and different than one as an individual. This assignment of negative perceptions to a …show more content…
This friend, whom is of Hispanic decent, has been so close with my father that he has been almost a second father to me. One might ask however, if an individual has this much hate towards a race due to applied stigmatization, how can there be an exception? In my father’s eye, it is the language barrier. If one is of Hispanic descent, then one is automatically assumed to speak Spanish, which my father cannot speak. If there is an encounter with one of these “different” individuals, the inferiority of the inability to communicate leaves an impact. This impact of the language barrier effects my father’s subconscious mind. When approached (either directly or indirectly) the past experience is used to apply a schema on any other “different” Hispanic individuals, that they cannot speak English. However, my father’s long-time friend can speak English. This friend, unknown to my father, is one of many Hispanic individuals who can speak English, but there are many who cannot. This language barrier is taking over our society. It is a fear of …show more content…
Because of this vast growing diversity, one must allow for a non-bias mind. However, this not only encompasses one’s conscious mind, it also includes one’s subconscious mind, where the schemas and stigmatizations take place. Although this may be difficult to achieve, especially in a workplace with a diverse staff, it is essential for equal treatment. To rid of any existing schemas about perceived “different” individuals, when entering the workplace one must have and maintain an open mind until knowing the perceived “different” individual. After getting to know such a co-worker, then is the time when traits can be placed upon that individual. However, one must not stigmatize and place any schemas among any other co-workers that may be perceived as same as that