Prejudice and the topic of Auto-Pilot

[Jo555]

I admit, I may be prejudice due to the racism I encountered when I first moved to the south many years ago.

When I see a white male or female in a cowboy hat, or hear them speaking in a southern accent, it gives me the weevy jeevies and my heart goes into auto pilot and creates a guard.

I am fully aware that not everyone is the same, and try and make allowances for the process of growth, but if more blatant, I will probably go into preach mode about the ills of such.

Basically, I'm fully aware everyone needs to be taken on an individual basis instead of as a group, but what of my experiences? Do they make me prejudice, or is this a safeguard that has been given to me to protect me from harm?

Is it both?

Others can relate to that in other aspects, like with other races, or religious folks, or non-religious folks, or atheists, agnostics, genders, ethnicity, etc.

So what makes one prejudice and when is it unacceptable? I have my opinion, in a way, but would like to hear from others first?

To the believer: And I'm still not an advocate for "partaking" of the knowledge of good and evil. That is full of endless possibilities and rabbit holes. Even so, for believers we know even in scriptures we are given a navigation of sorts. We just need the Navigator.

That said, I actually wanted to get into the topic of genocide, but it does start here.

Here is a basic definition, but I'll have to dig further with more time.

Prejudice is an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling about a person or group. It can also be defined as a preconceived judgment or belief.

Short on time today, but look forward to checking out responses tonight.

 

[Jo555]

So if you read my second post here, I took it out to keep it simple. Also, that branch in the topic is already, currently being explored elsewhere so may tag it on there later on.

I hope to tie this current topic into the larger topic of genocide further down the line.

 

[Jo555]

So if you read my second post here, I took it out to keep it simple. Also, that branch in the topic is already, currently being explored elsewhere so may tag it on there later on.

I hope to tie this current topic into the larger topic of genocide further down the line.

So I don't see my weevie jeevies as prejudice. I see it as a product of my negative experiences there. It's not fabricated, or a mere opinion.

I am also fully aware that not everyone is the same and don't look to judge everyone the same. Although, my experiences has led me to remain on guard.

Although I may be ok and can be something favorable to a degree, in other instances it can become a roadblock in a negative sense.

Racism takes this to another level as it pins one group as superior to another.

 

[jacks]

I was raised in a very diverse and unprejudiced environment. So much so, that I didn't even realize prejudice existed, until I was in my mid teens. This lack of prejudiced even overcame experiences. When I was young I was twice "mugged" both times by blacks. It never occurred to me to attribute this to race. As you said it is a personal experience and I realize my background and feelings may be unique. I think prejudice is very much a product of how one is raised and for me it wasn't even an option, until later in life.

How did prejudices they start? Perhaps prejudices germinate from a basic fear of things that are different? It seems to be common across all cultures.

 

[Jo555]

There is definitely a valid point in how you are raised. It was so blatant when I moved to the south, many years ago.

For instance, I'd hear, "I hate Ni-----." When I'd ask why. Sometimes the response was my mom said that they are this and that.

 

[Jo555]

There is definitely a valid point in how you are raised. It was so blatant when I moved to the south, many years ago.

For instance, I'd hear, "I hate Ni-----." When I'd ask why. Sometimes the response was my mom said that they are this and that.

It can also appear different to others that don't have to deal with it and / or, if they are not part of the minority.

I didn't realize the extent of racism that existed until I moved to the south because although there was some of that where I came from up north, it was quite prevalent in the south.

And I use the term racism as it transcended prejudices.

Either way, it isn't as bad as it was then. There have been much improvement, but it can still be found.

 

[FireDragon76]

I would say that kind of prejudice is understandable and not necessarily something to feel overly guilty about. You may have good reasons for having those fears. There's always a question of power relations when considering the moral gravity of prejudice. If you are a colored person or a minority, that's different than if you are part of the dominant power group in a society.

 

[Jo555]

I would say that kind of prejudice is understandable and not necessarily something to feel overly guilty about. You may have good reasons for having those fears. There's always a question of power relations when considering the moral gravity of prejudice. If you are a colored person or a minority, that's different than if you are part of the dominant power group in a society.

Definitely food for thought.

 

[com7fy8]

Yes, I would get to know each person.

Another sort of prejudice can be how people favor females who are more beautiful and who have nicer voices. This can result in certain females feeling less desirable, and people fearing they will be less desirable as they get older and do not look so beautiful.

And there can be people of all groups, who are into this beauty discrimination.

And ones let themselves be hurt by the beauty discrimination of people who do not know how to love.

 

[Aaron112]

How did prejudices they start?

Flesh is flesh, whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and cannot be nor do righteous.

Without Christ Jesus, Redeeming the soul purchased by His Blood, there is no hope.

 

[Robban]

There is definitely a valid point in how you are raised. It was so blatant when I moved to the south, many years ago.

For instance, I'd hear, "I hate Ni-----." When I'd ask why. Sometimes the response was my mom said that they are this and that.

Could well be.

"G-d treats a person the same way they treat their children."

-Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin.

One can even break it down, pre-judice or premature judgement.

Maybe.

 

[Jo555]

Great insight. But what of my situation?

If my experiences, real experiences, with prejudices and racism gives me the weevie jeevies and erects an inner wall (slighter as it may now be) around southern people, does that make me prejudice?

Here's another definition of prejudice:
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
"prejudice against people from different backgrounds"

On that definition I would say no, because, by definition, it is not prejudice if based on real experience. And, I realize everyone is different and we as a society have made good strides there that are apparent, imo, but there is still a distrust that exists.

And I believe most of us, if not all, can relate to that in one way or another.

So I could be wrong, but of now I would say I'm not prejudice, but do hold a distrust because of past experiences.

 

[Robban]

Great insight. But what of my situation?

If my experiences, real experiences, with prejudices and racism gives me the weevie jeevies and erects an inner wall (slighter as it may now be) around southern people, does that make me prejudice?

Here's another definition of prejudice:
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
"prejudice against people from different backgrounds"

On that definition I would say no, because, by definition, it is not prejudice if based on real experience. And, I realize everyone is different and we as a society have made good strides there that are apparent, imo, but there is still a distrust that exists.

And I believe most of us, if not all, can relate to that in one way or another.

So I could be wrong, but of now I would say I'm not prejudice, but do hold a distrust because of past experiences.

Tread softly and carry a wrench.

Just kidding.

Where is the memory situated?

The memory is situated in our experiences, or is a product of our experiences.

Eyesight, hearing, smell, taste, touch which is why we cannot forget, though we think we have forgotten perhaps then

it is on auto pilot.

Often the mind shuts out certain things as not so important (filter) but as we get older and the system starts to shut down

the filter gets worn out.

And one can have flashbacks.

Pretty amazing.

 

[Jo555]

Tread softly and carry a wrench.

Just kidding.

Where is the memory situated?

The memory is situated in our experiences, or is a product of our experiences.

Eyesight, hearing, smell, taste, touch which is why we cannot forget, though we think we have forgotten perhaps then

it is on auto pilot.

Often the mind shuts out certain things as not so important (filter) but as we get older and the system starts to shut down

the filter gets worn out.

And one can have flashbacks.

Pretty amazing.

You mean I have to put my boxing gloves away? What now?

Just kidding. It's not a big deal for me and where I live has become highly diversified. I just raised it as a point, or to use my situation to ponder the question regarding what makes one prejudice.

And sometimes some things that are not issues for us now, may become a hindrance down the line and we need to deal with it if we want to move forward. For now I don't see it as a hindrance or issue.

 

[stevevw]

I admit, I may be prejudice due to the racism I encountered when I first moved to the south many years ago.

When I see a white male or female in a cowboy hat, or hear them speaking in a southern accent, it gives me the weevy jeevies and my heart goes into auto pilot and creates a guard.

I am fully aware that not everyone is the same, and try and make allowances for the process of growth, but if more blatant, I will probably go into preach mode about the ills of such.

Basically, I'm fully aware everyone needs to be taken on an individual basis instead of as a group, but what of my experiences? Do they make me prejudice, or is this a safeguard that has been given to me to protect me from harm?

Is it both?

Others can relate to that in other aspects, like with other races, or religious folks, or non-religious folks, or atheists, agnostics, genders, ethnicity, etc.

So what makes one prejudice and when is it unacceptable? I have my opinion, in a way, but would like to hear from others first?

To the believer: And I'm still not an advocate for "partaking" of the knowledge of good and evil. That is full of endless possibilities and rabbit holes. Even so, for believers we know even in scriptures we are given a navigation of sorts. We just need the Navigator.

That said, I actually wanted to get into the topic of genocide, but it does start here.

Here is a basic definition, but I'll have to dig further with more time.

Prejudice is an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling about a person or group. It can also be defined as a preconceived judgment or belief.

Short on time today, but look forward to checking out responses tonight.

Ok so some who wear cowboy hats will match your preconscieved ideas as it has been associated with such things. But thats only some and the % of that has changed. So your preconcieved idea is not based in reality and therefore a bias. The same for if those cowboys or women for that matter rejudge a liberal or goth or whatever.

The world is full or this and its like a mindfield. INstinctually we are tribal but we are also moral beings created by God and can rise above this instinct to see other tribes as threats or opportunities to plunder.

That said I think as Christians we have to navigate this landscape and find likeminded and hearted Christians even if they have a cowboy hat or are goths or liberals. Well liberal to a point lol.

As a Christian there is no cowboy hat or black cloths. So you should find Christians who wear cowboy hats to more likely match your beliefs and values. Sure there will be those who wear cowboy hats and claim to be Christians. But once again thats the same as the ones we need to navigate away from. They are even worse as they look like the real deal but are vipers inside.

They are the wolves in sheep clothing that CHrist said to be weary of and avoid or get them out of the church.

 

[Jo555]

Ok so some who wear cowboy hats will match your preconscieved ideas as it has been associated with such things. But thats only some and the % of that has changed. So your preconcieved idea is not based in reality and therefore a bias. The same for if those cowboys or women for that matter rejudge a liberal or goth or whatever.

The world is full or this and its like a mindfield. INstinctually we are tribal but we are also moral beings created by God and can rise above this instinct to see other tribes as threats or opportunities to plunder.

That said I think as Christians we have to navigate this landscape and find likeminded and hearted Christians even if they have a cowboy hat or are goths or liberals. Well liberal to a point lol.

As a Christian there is no cowboy hat or black cloths. So you should find Christians who wear cowboy hats to more likely match your beliefs and values. Sure there will be those who wear cowboy hats and claim to be Christians. But once again thats the same as the ones we need to navigate away from. They are even worse as they look like the real deal but are vipers inside.

They are the wolves in sheep clothing that CHrist said to be weary of and avoid or get them out of the church.

Hi Steve.

Preconceived-
(of an idea or opinion) formed before having the evidence for its truth or usefulness.

Not preconceived, but considering how long ago, probably should not be feeling that way anymore. It's not something I formulate in my mind, think of, and dwell on. It is an auto-response due to my experiences with prejudices and racism back in the day in the south.

Although, by definition, I don't see it as prejudice, and I don't believe I am prejudging them as racist, but internally there is an auto response that at least says, "Take precaution."

Although, I probably should be over it by now. It sure wouldn't have the same affect on me as it did then, don't think. It was literally a cultural shock and a huge disappointment when I moved to the south many years ago.

The state I am in is now very diversified, but that wasn't always the case.

And absolutely, we should take each individual separately. Even if it exists in them, we can rise above it and engage in dialogue to help.

It's not a problem in my life, that I can see anyway. I don't feel the Lord convicting me of it. If there was hate or I perceived myself, of myself, as better apart from God and his grace, then there is a problem. Even so, sometimes what is not a problem today may pose as a problem tomorrow and would require healing from our past associations.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

It would be interesting to see the breakdown of responses of men vs women. As a woman, the response of being less cordial or immediately on guard or bracing yourself based off of external circumstances is a fairly common one.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Basically, I'm fully aware everyone needs to be taken on an individual basis instead of as a group, but what of my experiences? Do they make me prejudice, or is this a safeguard that has been given to me to protect me from harm?

Is it both?

Speaking as a fellow Black man, I understand where you are at. But I believe the answer is both. Your response is completely normal because it a defense mechanism that is hardwired in your brain through the Amygdala. It is hard wired to protect you from threats and makes you react before your brain has a chance to think. It is what gives you the "Fight-Flight-Freeze" response. Due to past traumas and experiences, you have learned to fear or feel threatened by people that have caused you those past traumas. It is like a child playing with a bee, and after the child is stung, it develops a lifelong flying insect phobia.

In your situation, you are the child who was stung and now are afraid of any insect with wings. But not all flying insects are bees (although there are other flying insects that are just as dangerous), a butterfly has wings but are harmless.

Once a traumatic response is hardwired in the amygdala, it is hard to remove it. It will take time.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I would say that kind of prejudice is understandable and not necessarily something to feel overly guilty about. You may have good reasons for having those fears. There's always a question of power relations when considering the moral gravity of prejudice. If you are a colored person or a minority, that's different than if you are part of the dominant power group in a society.

I disagree. If a woman was previously raped by a black man while walking to her car at night, would her fears be any less valid than the OP if she found herself alone in a parking lot while a group of young black men are walking in her direction? Would you blame her if she reached into her pocket for her pepper spray?

 

[Jo555]

I disagree. If a woman was previously rated by a black man while walking to her car at night, would her fears be any less valid than the OP if she found herself alone in a parking lot while a group of young black men are walking in her direction? Would you blame her if she reached into her pocket for her pepper spray?

Not sure which way going with this, but it may help to understand it wasn't an isolated incident. It wasn't even a second or third incident. It was prevalent attitude against minorities.

Either way, i think the question raised is one that may be worth exploring.