Race And Ethnicity Reflection Paper

What have you been taught about race, ethnicity, class, gender, & sexuality? This question is deeper and more complex than it appears, I have been taught many things about each of these topics, most of all how each category describes a person. We all learn that all people are equal, or should be treated equally I learned that through words. Through actions, I learned that is not true. Through experience I learned that a persons race alone is supposed to tell something about them, about their character that sexuality is supposed to determine a persons morality. The world speaks of equality for all, and then in the next breath adds some type of criteria that justifies one class, race, religion, etc. as less than the other. What I know …show more content…
Honestly, I do have bias’ preprogramed in my head about people, based on life experiences I have encountered. I am aware of this shortcoming on my part and actively work to not let it come into the way I treat others. I see a person dressed a certain way and I automatically assign a judgment to them, which I have in the past believed to be true. Now, I can quickly dismiss this thought and let the individual teach me about him or herself by interaction.
How will you approach unlearning stereotypes and myths you have been taught? As mentioned in the above paragraph I have become aware of my own shortcomings and worked to overcome judging others. I grew up believing everything I was taught and then as I got older I realized I was being taught ideas that conflicted and I did not know what I believed so I adopted the beliefs of those around me. This is a bad habit that has continued throughout my life, until recently when I have been forming my own ideas and beliefs based on what I have experienced and know to be true. I believe that the best way to overcome fear and discrimination is to become educated about the differences in cultures, families, religions, etc. I am aware that people and relationships change and adapt throughout time and that I will continue to as well, and that is how to break down barriers, by