Bias and Prejudice

In a world where wars still rage, and people still kill other people simply because they look different, you would think that it would be unanimous that bias and prejudice should be subjects that are taught in schools. What is the best way to counteract any problem? The simple answer to that is education. If you understand another person's background, or race, or religion, then you may be able to appreciate the differences between that person and yourself.

Is bias and prejudice still a problem in the world today? You better believe it!

What can we do to solve the problem? Educate the world. Should this all be covered in a classroom? I would hope that these issues could be solved at home, but frequently the home may be the source of the problem. Therefore, it is somewhat necessary for schools to discuss and deal with these issues.

Often the main problem behind a bias is either a lack of understanding of another culture, race, sex, religion or other factor. The other reason there may be a bias is because of someone specifically being targeted and being a victim of circumstance.

I can understand the second option much more easily than I can the first. The first one can be solved quite easily by gaining more information, and by keeping an open mind.

There are many types of prejudice still being displayed in our world today. People still, even after the sacrifice and labor of our forefathers have issues with people of different colored skin. Others have a superiority complex over another gender... "Girls can't do that! That's something only a man can do." It doesn't end there... Cultures battle over traditions, religious leaders ridicule other religions, and much more.

It seems that some people simply gain satisfaction by putting other people down. I don't understand what other reward they could obtain by slandering or offending someone that isn't of the same group.

In my classroom we've had some good discussions about these topics. I've tried to make strong points, and keep teaching my students to keep an open mind about issues of bias. Much of what my students learn in these cases comes from their homes. You can see some strong beliefs being passed on from old to young. My main priority through all of this is to show the whole picture. The school I teach at is 99% white. We celebrate Black History Month, and learn about notable Americans of the past who fought for equality. We talk about the issues of slavery and the struggles people had to go through. We read the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, which really paints a picture of the hardships faced by blacks in the early 1900's. We talk about other cultures and the troubles they have had, or are having.

Education, what an eye-opening tool!

One of the other things that we talk about in my classroom is empathy. Empathy is the ability to place yourself in someone else's shoes.

How did they feel? What would you have done in his/her situation? Can you imagine what it was like for him/her?

Empathy is a topic that I continually come back to throughout the year. I may have to talk to someone out in the hall, "Barb, I'm not sure you realize how hurtful the words you used were. Can you imagine what it would be like to have someone say those words to you?"

It isn't always easy for everyone to obtain empathy. Some people just don't get it. Some children just do not have remorse, or compassion, which is a sad fact. What I try to do in those cases is point out the fact that whatever they did was not the right thing to do. I'll put it out there for them, make it plain and simple, and see if I get a reaction. If there is none, then I tell them to simply apologize.

Yes, teachers sometimes have to play other roles such as peacemaker, conscience, police, babysitter, judge, coach, nurse, doctor, and much more.

The main point behind all of this though is that bias and prejudice are still rampant. Would there be wars if it weren't?

The best solution to solve a majority of the problems with bias and prejudice is education. If you have an understanding as to why people are they way they are, then there is a lesser chance of having issues with that person.

In all reality, all people start out in this world naked, and leave this world the same way. I wish there weren't so many holdups because of the other factors.