Have you experienced any form of prejudice?

1. 66

   Michele Travisposted 11 years ago

   Have you experienced any form of prejudice?
   
   If you have why?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 70

   vveaseyposted 11 years ago

   Yes a few times. I'll tell you about one of them.
   
   When I was around 16 I was living in a mostly black area but most of the businesses were owned and operated by white people.
   
   There was this hamburger joint that I'd never been to that was patronized by white business men. One day I went in to buy a hamburger and fries. I stood at the counter waiting for some one to come take my order. It was lunchtime and pretty busy, so I figured it might take a minute before some one came to take my order. I stood there...and stood there...and stood there and waited.
   
   Finally this heavy-set white guy comes up to the other side of the counter and asks "Can I help you?" I said, "Yeah. I'd like a hamburger and fries to go" He looked at me and said matter of factually,  "We don't serve niggers here!" And walked away. I was so shocked I just ran out of place and never went back there again!

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is horrible.  What an SOB! Racism still exists in this day and age.

      replyreport
   2. 78

      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So sorry to hear how you were mistreated. It is a fact we live with every day: prejudism is still around and hurts many people. I have experienced it as well and it usually surprises you when it does happen.

      replyreport
   3. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah that incident happened many years ago, I'm over it. The memory of it doesn't bother me today the way it did when I was just 16 year old kid.

      replyreport
   4. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is important to remmeber too that it was many African chieftans who sold the less desirable, or conqured tribes to slave traders. The blood of slaves was on African hands too. If we were all green, there would be tal v.s. short green, or fat...etc

      replyreport
3. 61

   Jaggedfrostposted 11 years ago

   lol How does anyone answer this question in negation and keep a straight face.  I am a Male stylist in the only state in which I need fear to take appointments for my fellow female students because I often catch crap from the client who was expecting a female behind the chair.

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Do they think the women style hair better?  Racism exists against men also.

      replyreport
   2. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That would actually be sexism or gender bias

      replyreport
   3. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you.  Any sexism or gender bias is wrong.  At least that is what I think.

      replyreport
   4. 61

      Jaggedfrostposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      In Utah it is a strange bias that stems from religion amongst those not secure in their own morality and conservatism that throws a bias on an actively straight male.

      replyreport
   5. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed. Gender bias and sexism are forms of prejudice
      Prejudging others based on preconceptions about their gender or sex. Those preconceptions can be positive or negative, correct or wrong

      replyreport
   6. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think any form of prejudice is wrong, even if it is based on religion. In religion, who has the power to judge?  Not man, only God.

      replyreport
4. 65

   Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years ago

   Yes, because of my race definitely. Unfortunately moreso in America, than over in Europe, and some other countries. It seems we are the cultural "youngsters".
   But there are som many other kinds of prejudice. Amongst african americans, and our different skin tones. Often subtle but there. Even among men, in general, younger men think I should behave as a guy my age... whatever that means. Its biggest feeder(prejudice that is) is Ignorance. Today I will learn something about somone different than me. Thanks for the thought provoking question.

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What does that mean? Please excuse me for my ignorance.  But, does that mean that African Americans with lighter skin tones are better?  I don't understand that.

      replyreport
   2. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Laurinzo you're right color prejudice among blacks started during slavery, but why has it continued hundreds of years after the end of slavery, even today?

      replyreport
   3. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately vveasey, it was passed down through generations of slavery, and even well after slavery. Light skinned blacks didn't get an 'easy ride' during slavery.However on certain plantations, maybe 'massa', gave his offspring certain extra's.

      replyreport
   4. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed. Ok but why are people still keeping it going today even after the massive "black is beautiful" movement of the 60s and 70s when blacks were wearing Afros and Dashikis and being "Black and I'm Proud"?

      replyreport
   5. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It takes more than a few slogans to empower a person to feel good about themselves. Especially when every image of beauty you see is repesented by anyone but you. Fortunately that is changing, and people of color are represented as beautiful beings.

      replyreport
5. 66

   DRG Da Real Grincposted 11 years ago

   Yes. At some times in my life it was rampant. When I was 10 years old a black man chased me down and stood over me, pulled out a gun and pointed it at me and shouted " Goodbye cracka " he then pulled the trigger but it back fired. He settled for kicking me and then he ran off. I was happy with the kicking. I went home and asked my mother what a cracker was and she explained that it didn't matter because, "Your not a cracker, Your a spick ".

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Racism is racism, even if it is it is black people against white people.  It is still wrong. Or if you are black with skin color which is lighter then other black people.  It is still wrong.  I don't know how to write it, but it is still bad.

      replyreport
   2. 70

      vveaseyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      DRG Da Real Grinc
      "Your not a cracker, Your a spick ". Is funny and sad.
      "Goodbye cracka " is worst because he was willing to kill you, an innocent person, for the percieved wrongs committed against him by someone else because he saw you as white.

      replyreport
   3. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The color divide amongst blacks Michele, occured during slavery, when it was a way to keep slaves divided. To seperate by color. Keep them fighting amongst themselves,no black person, or any person is better than the other because of skin color.

      replyreport
   4. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you.  Nobody is better then anybody because of the color of their skin.

      replyreport
6. 93

   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   Yes. How about this common story... While in college, I needed a part-time job. At the time, I was studying in the legal field, and when I saw a "help wanted" ad for a legal secretary position, seeing that I had all the skills required, I called to inquire about the job. I spoke at length to the person on the phone and was asked to come down immediately because they thought I would be perfect for the job. I went without hesitation to the office. They were polite enough until I informed them that I was there to put in my application. The receptionist couldn't blurt out fast enough that the position had been filled. I was heartbroken. When I got back to my apartment, my roommate asked how it went. I told her that they had already filled the position by the time I arrived. She said, "Oh, really?" She suspected an act of prejudice was at hand. She, being Caucasian, called the office and inquired about the job. They told her that the position was still available. So, she went to complete an application and they were willing to hire her on the spot. Mind you, she had no qualifications for the job whatsoever. She refused to accept the position, but did not leave without letting them know a few things about them being prejudiced and all.
   
   I'm an old lady and I have a ton of stories that are worse than the one above. How about being a black family, moving into a neighborhood and waking up the next morning with eggs smashed on the porch and the "N" word and "Go back to Africa" spray painted all over the sidewalk and cars. I could go on. But, let's just say, yes. I have experienced prejudice. I don't hold out much hope that it will be eradicated in my lifetime.

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is horrible, but you are probably correct. I wish it end, but it probably won't.  At least in our lifetimes.  I am 47 and it is still a problem.

      replyreport
7. 97

   Thomas Swanposted 11 years ago

   Yes, there are a couple of forms of prejudice I have experienced. When I was going through a "rocker" phase I had someone mumble "F'ing stoner" as they walked past me. That was just because of the way I looked.
   
   I've had someone mumble a derogatory comment about my sexuality once when I happened to be wearing a tight t-shirt that might have given that impression.
   
   I have never used drugs and am not homosexual, but people like to make assumptions about people based on the way they look, and they like to say hurtful things.
   
   I can only imagine how hurtful those comments would have been if true.
   
   It's a cowardly way to inflict pain on someone, and it probably stems from some personal turmoil, so although it's difficult, we should probably pity them. This is also an effective way of feeling better about oneself, and not feeling insulted.

   replyreport
   1. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is the key... that yes this behaviour does inflict pain. No one has the right to do this to others. There are so many different types of prejudice, besides race.

      replyreport
   2. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are correct. How many type of prejudice do we have?  Can we even count?

      replyreport
   3. 65

      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well hopefully with these kind of discussions, we will open the minds of somebody. I think we all if we are honest have a little prejudicial thought or motivation, we have to deal with.

      replyreport
8. 75

   JulianaDragonessposted 11 years ago

   Yes, I despise people who have complete intelligence but refuse to use it.

   replyreport
9. 0

   Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

   I have been denied jobs because of my speech impairment. I was denied one job because cataracts prevent me from driving at night--I came up with an alternate plan and while I cannot prove it, I am being denied jobs because of my age--almost 61.
   
   There is no way of proving these things in court, so you just have to live with it.

   replyreport
   1. 66

      Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There are so many types of prejudice.  I believe you about being denied jobs because of your speech impairment, or age.  No, you cannot prove this one in court.

      replyreport
10. 67

    Mazzy Boleroposted 11 years ago

    The sad thing is that sometimes people who can be victims of prejudice can still show prejudice against others. I knew a white woman who was married to a black guy and very fiercely angry about prejudice against black people - yet she herself was totally anti-semitic!  When I pointed this out to her, she didn't get it, she just tried to rationalize her prejudice.   I also used to work with a black woman who was very prejudiced against Asians.  I also met an Asian guy who moved to another neighborhood "to get away from the blacks".  You would think that being on the receiving end of prejudice would make you realize how appalling it was, but it doesn't seem to.

    replyreport
    1. 66

       Michele Travisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That is amazing.  They have been victims of prejudice, but they are prejudice against others.  That makes no sense at all. I guess we cannot even learn, what is wrong, because it is even happening to us.

       replyreport
    2. 67

       Mazzy Boleroposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, Michele.

       replyreport
    3. 60

       alaamiahcleanposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Really appreciate you sharing this  Answer post.
       Thanks Again. Fantastic.

       replyreport
    4. 51

       Cameron Knightposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Sometimes when people experience prejudice they close off their hearts.

       replyreport
11. 61

    Penny Gposted 10 years ago

    Yes as a MOther of 6 people treated use terrible even though my children were well behaved. They would ask restaurants not to sit use by them , would make remarks about did I know what birth control was, and the bet their taxes were supporting us. We were never invited to gatherings, unless they said no kids allowed, so we never went. People who do not make their children mind in public carried over to us even though we got compliments on how well behaved they were once we were somewhere. UGGGG!!!! Oh well they are grown now.

    replyreport
12. 84

    gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

    
    
    I have experienced prejudice because I am childfree & an only child.  One of my clueless maternal aunts saw me holding a child & promptly snatched the child away, shouting that I did not know anything about children.  Mind you, she was a teenage mother who only had contact with her children only in the summer months, my maternal grandmother raised those children.  She also had a negative attitude towards children as a result of being forced as a child to raise younger siblings, acting as surrogate mother.  She was not a happy woman.  Also being childfree does not mean not being able to interface with children. That was something that the clueless aunt refuse to acknowledge.  This aunt never had any positive contact with children-her only contact was shouting at them!
    
    There are people  who assume that I am spoiled because I am an only child.  They further assume that I cannot do for myself & that I am lonely which is FAR from the truth.  I cooked dinner one time & one maternal relative indicated how can I cook as the food was so good.  Another aunt asked me as a teenager if I did chores.  One woman indicated that I was so well put together for an only child.  Can YOU imagine!  I noticed that I receive the most virulent prejudice about being a childfree only child from those from large families(6 or more children per family) or from mothers of large families.
    
    Then I am an introvert.  People assume that introverts are quiet and have no personality.  I have been told that I was a mouse because of my introversion.  I have been told that I was too withdrawn & should socialize more.  Well, I SOCIALIZE ENOUGH, THANK YOU.

    replyreport
13. 79

    SherrieWeynandposted 7 years ago

    As a white woman I have indeed experienced prejudice and bigotry, but only while with a male friend who happened to be black.
    4th of July 1994 I volunteered to work a 7am-7pm shift at Thunderbird Hospital in the ER. I was still a Trauma Certified RN back then. Had made no plans for the holiday. My friend called and asked if I wanted to go catch the fireworks in Tempe (Arizona) after I got off. Said of course.
    Fast forward to time to leave Tempe Town Lake after the fireworks display. Traffic took  us almost 2 hours to go 15 minutes. The car behind us was a Tempe police officer. We paid no attention to it because we hadn't done anything to worry about and speeding was obviously not possible. As we crossed the city limit sign into Phoenix the car turned off.
    One block from the city sign another officer turned his lights on pulling us over. There was not one car, but two. Before they approached the car another officer arrived. 3 cars,  5 officers. They approached the car on the drivers side at gunpoint. Looking out my window to the right, another officer had me at gunpoint. They were yelling at Mike to get out of the car and face away from them. He complied and the pushed him facedown on the street. While they handcuffed him, the officer on my side had another officer open the door and remove me. I was handcuffed and sat on the curb in front of the car. I could hear Mike telling them his ID was in his wallet. They kept screaming that he had stolen the car.
    The officer with me asked if she could go through my bag. Me, with nothing to hide said of course. She dumped my bag on the hood of the car and naturally, found nothing. She asked me where he had stolen the car. I told her it was his. A simple run of his license would have told them everything, but they hadn't bothered yet. Only wanted to know where he had stolen the car and what we were doing out so late.
    Almost midnight on 4th of July isn't late... and that's what I told them. The male officer told me the only reason a white woman would be out with a black man at that time of night was either drugs or he was my pimp.I told them where I was employed and the female cop had already seen my badge and lanyard. They still questioned me about where a black man stole the Porsche he was driving. I told them again that it was his. He's an attorney. Instantly the tone changed, they ran his license, registration and claimed it had been a mistake. We all knew it wasn't. He ended up suing. Prejudice is terrifying

    replyreport
14. 61

    amcdeezy718posted 6 years ago

    I am confident that most have heard someone use the term "white privilege" to justify a particular outcome which appears unfair to them and those similar to them. Prejudice is a taught behavior and contradicts our responsibility to love, help and show kindness to all mankind. I almost feel as if the term "white privilege" is often used to account for another race resulting a more favorable outcome from a similar situation than someone of a different race had. I have come to believe that the popular term didn't apply to me at all because I've had too many hardships that in no way resemble what one might call "privilege" at all. Seemingly it appears that the mindset is that good situations only happen to people who are white and then it's automatically classified as just another "white privilege" example. Sound familiar?  Every single thing/place/chance/situation/opportunity/circumstance ever offered to me at all was a direct result of my hard work, determination and drive for success. I cannot recall a single time where the color of my skin has made life better for me as opposed to those of different races. I've never felt ahead of anyone or as if I was best. If anything my life has been anything but fair. I have had unspeakable tragedies in my lifetime. Sadly I have suffered more than most.These struggles will never define me just as my skin color never defined my values, goals, or dreams.
    I'm not denying or refusing that prejudice is alive and that it affects lives of people of all types. Unfortunately there's always an abundance of crime, hate and prejudice and it definitely comes in all skin colors, backgrounds, and types of religions.There is undeniable hype concerning this popular phrase and has become much more of an acceptable answer to life's unfairness for that moment. Playing the blame game reduces guilt, shame and disappointment with one's own life. I 100% believe in the good of humanity and love. I am a firm believer that no person should ever feel ashamed or singled out because of their skin color, economic status, religion, and/or financial successes. Just because my skin is white does not represent a life of ease and entitlement.I have worked my butt off for everything I have.I value that. Race is never important to me when thinking traits that define the woman I have fought hard to be today. I am not rewarded at all for being white. I am also profiled by others.No exclusive opportunities excluding any race other than white.

    replyreport