Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #14
As early as infancy, human beings display suspiciousness and hesitancy toward the unfamiliar. As a survival mechanism, we assess and react to changes in our environment and the unknown. However, I do not believe that human beings are born with prejudicial tendencies. While growing up, we look to cultural values to tell us what, or who, is good or bad. In my opinion, this is where the root of prejudice lies. The topic of this reflection reminds me a lot of my recent experiences at the high school where I am doing my service learning hours. I’ve noticed various displays of prejudice between the special education students and the “normal” kids, particularly during the walks to and from the cafeteria for lunch. The high school I’ve been working with tries especially hard to integrate everybody and provide an effective learning environment free of discrimination, so it can be especially hard to watch. The first time I witnessed some children blatantly making fun of the kids in wheelchairs, I became upset with the teachers and wondered why nothing was said. Did they really not see what was going on or were they consciously choosing to ignore the situation? Personally, I think children who display such insensitive behavior should face consequences. Maybe some time helping the special education teachers with their students isn’t such a bad idea. Increased integration might even promote understanding and prevent unintentional prejudicial actions from becoming intentional later on in life. According to the three principles in the readings, it should be up to school administrators to intervene and redirect the force of prejudicial behaviors. Non-target people must unite and provide passive resistance to encourage change. Leadership and training based strategies utilize authority figures and education to reduce prejudice, and either of these methods would probably be effective in a school setting.
In America, segregation is once again increasing in public schools, non-whites are receiving less adequate health care, and even our psychotherapists are behaving in discriminatory ways. Although our country is becoming more and more diverse, we are not exhibiting as much tolerance and acceptance as we should. Prejudice is a widely spread, ongoing social problem that will never completely disappear. But it can be reduced, and it is up to all of us to make it a priority.
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