Every time my birthday comes around I start reflecting on philosophies. Don’t ask me why. Must be one of those silly “growing older” things. Well, it happened again today. But I’m going to use this post to tell you all about it and at the same time answer a meme.
So, here’s seven things you need to know about me before I start:
- I’m Caucasian.
- I was raised Baptist.
- I’m male.
- I was born in the United States.
- I live in the United States.
- I’m a Southerner.
- I’m right handed.
Ok. So some of those might be a little obvious. But it’s important for you to know them. Or is it?
First, let me say, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist.” Avenue Q. Love ‘em. Here’s the song if you haven’t heard it:
Now. Back to my philosophy. Let’s take that phrase just another step:
Everyone’s a little bit biased.
It is absolutely human nature to be biased towards some group they belong to. Humans like to belong to something and they normally protect that group fiercely. Religious wars are based on a bias towards a certain religion. Fights break out in the streets over a bias towards a certain race. People get beat up in back alleys because of a bias towards a sexual orientation.
Bias is natural. Bias is not a bad thing. It’s ok to be proud of your background or proud of a group you belong to. The problem with bias is when it becomes so forceful that anger and hate come into the picture. And that normally happens when people feel they are being treated differently than those in another group.
“What’s your point?”
My point is this: When you get into a debate about some topic such as racism or sexism and you’re claiming someone is being one of those1, you really need to carefully consider the level of bias within the situation. When a bias is so strong that hatred rears it’s ugly head, then there are problems.
For instance, if a group of people who are in a guild together while playing World of Warcraft decide to all meet in Vegas to hang out, is it too biased of them not to invite others to do so too? However, if a group of people decide to go kill someone who is not the same religion as they are, are they being too biased? Has hatred entered the equation at this point?2
So, before claiming racism, sexism, or some other bias, think logically about the situation. Did the other party/group truly mean to be hateful when they treated you differently than others in their group? If the answer is “no,” there is no argument needed. If the answer is “yes,” it’s time for something to be done.
- DO embrace your differences.
- DO realize that everyone holds different things to be dear to them.
- DO tolerate those differences and learn from them.
- DO understand that people will treat those who are within their groups differently than those who are not.
- However, DO NOT ever accept hatred as a treatment.
Oh. Here’s another part of this post where I completely break the rules of that meme, as I’m going to tell you an 8th thing about me:
I’m human. So are you3.
- or any other group bias [«]
- Both of these are extreme situations in either degree. But you should get the point. I hope. If not, I blame it on the water. [«]
- Unless you’re a software powered robot. But then you wouldn’t understand this post anyway. [«]
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By Lucy on Jul 10, 2008 |
Saphrym - you have an uncanny way of hitting the nail right on the head - which is good, cause otherwise you might have a throbbing thumb and that wouldn’t do on your birthday - now would it.
Great post, but then I don’t expect to be reading anything else here. Have a good one.
Lucys last blog post..Waistline Measurements Could Be Better Than BMI
By Gary R. Hess on Jul 10, 2008 |
Alright Saphrym… seriously… you had to post this today and not tomorrow?
Man.. guess the post that is coming out in a few hours isn’t going to seem all that ground breaking.
Gary R. Hesss last blog post..Be Productive: Write Ahead OR Emergency Articles
By Kelly on Jul 10, 2008 |
Rock on, Saph! Embracing our differences and celebrating diversity is what makes being human so great… because if we were all the same, life would be pretty darn boring.
Happy birthday!
Kellys last blog post..Ghost Dance
By searchingwithin on Jul 10, 2008 |
Excellent article and very well put. It is human nature to gravitate towards groups, and for those groups to consist of people, and interests that are the same, or closely similar to their own. It is part of the human desire to feel accepted. This does not mean by any stretch of the imagination, that there is something wrong with the other groups, just different.
So many people have the mindset and in live in a box of black or white, and believe that for everything there is either a right or a wrong, and if another has a different opinion than theirs and if they accept that as being okay, that their own must be wrong, and they feel the need to justify their own concept, and will fight for that to the bitter end, both internally and outwardly.
When we are able to step out of ourselves, and attempt at least, to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes, and try to understand their point of view, instead of insisting everyone be, think and behave (a clone)of ourselves, that so many human problems would start to diminish, whether it’s a romantic relationship, another race, country, religion, etc., etc.
By Saphrym on Jul 10, 2008 |
@Lucy - Thanks for the compliment!
@Gary - Sorry. Was in philosophical mood. But I just commented on your post. At least it’s a different perspective.
@Kelly - Agreed and thanks for the birthday wish!
@searching - Hence my tagline: “The mind is a terrible thing to close.”
I completely agree.
By glam on Jul 10, 2008 |
Great post, Saph. You really presented this topic in a light that most could understand it. Now I think that you should post it on the related EC threads. Heee…..:)
Happy birthday, Saph!!
glams last blog post..Defining Art Jewelry - Six Simple Rules
By Saphrym on Jul 10, 2008 |
@Glam - Those posts and your meme are what inspired me.
By glam on Jul 10, 2008 |
Saph, I figured that the posts had inspired you.
I have not yet seen anyone else turn a meme in to something that is actually useful, lol!
glams last blog post..Defining Art Jewelry - Six Simple Rules
By Samsara on Jul 11, 2008 |
I had a “7 things” meme too but I don’t do memes so I had to do something useful with it too. Heh!
Yes…I agree I am biased! It has saved my life thus far! Animals in the animal kingdom are certainly bias…from the subtle nuances of “their own kind” to straight extra-species different food chain reactions.
Ah. But the politically correct pundits would have us believe that bias is bad or “wrong” eh?
Yeah…well even that’s a lie. The only place for that is in pretend world. In pretend world we all remain bias with our own prejudices straight from our “id” but we “pretend” we have none and “pretend” that when we see a person we view as “not up our alley” that they really are.
Furthermore…thanks for then elucidating to not accepting “hate” as a treatment. Just because we have our bias, prejudices and discriminating tastes…this is no kind of license to NOT practice tolerance and love and to seek tolerance within our spirits.
We can recognize our bias [like I have a choice on those ideas pounded into me...unless I am on an enlightening path in which to sincerely practice and undo those biases; as most people are not]…As I was saying; We can recognize our bias and act oppositely on them when the situations arise….
….We can seek to understand our differences and where they come from which removes our built in “things different from me must be a threat” detector.
After all…this *is* what separates us from our beloved hoof-pounding friends. We are human.
Samsaras last blog post..Top 7 Drunk and Alcoholic Related Episodes as a Kid
By Debbie Lane on Jul 11, 2008 |
am I biased if I say I like your blog and read it regularly?
Debbie Lanes last blog post..Dear Debbie,
By Carolien on Jul 11, 2008 |
I just love it when I get to your blog. Not only do you have post about interesting, and often meaningful “stuff” (Sorry I couldn’t find the word I wanted to use, so you get stuck with the word stuff), but you have a great way of writing it.
I really agree with the message in your post. But, I think its not just a matter of tolerating, - that at a minimum is what people should do.
I am reading a great book right now - the Medici Effect - it shows how if we embrace differences, what great things can be achieved - if only that was the word we lived in. I believe we can get there one day though - but some people call me an idealist!
By T.H on Jul 12, 2008 |
I am right handed too.
T.Hs last blog post..Okay Alexa widget is up
By Linda on Jul 12, 2008 |
Enjoyed your article and messages. You covered all bases.
Lindas last blog post..Largest U.S. biodiesel plant starts production in Texas
By Leon on Jul 12, 2008 |
I wholeheartedly agree with you sir. There’s no way to be completely unbiased as everyone has varying views and preferences.
Leons last blog post..My thoughts on…the Patois Bible
By Saphrym on Jul 12, 2008 |
Thanks for all of the great comments!
Also, I completely agree that we should embrace our differences. It is impossible to learn from someone who is exactly like you.
By Rick Vaughn on Jul 12, 2008 |
Nice Post!
I think we can all agree people are alot more tolerant to racism or sexism than in the past. I see nothing wrong with staying within the group and accepting each others differences. As long as we can reach a common goal I don’t care if you came from Mars.
Rick Vaughns last blog post..Obama Proposes Changes to Bankruptcy Law