Reflections: The Price Of Bigotry
“Don’t think for one minute that you are any less worthy of love and peace and harmony just because of all the hate spewed by human devils. Because that is what those haters are, you know, devils!” Scylar Tyberius, Sebastian the Great
Reflections: The Price Of Bigotry
Reflections: The Price Of Bigotry
“My request today is simple. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. Find somebody, anybody, that’s different than you. Somebody that has made you feel ill-will or even hateful. Somebody whose life decisions have made you uncomfortable. Somebody who practices a different religion than you do. Somebody who has been lost to addiction. Somebody with a criminal past. Somebody who dresses “below” you. Somebody with disabilities. Somebody who lives an alternative lifestyle. Somebody without a home.
Somebody that you, until now, would always avoid, always look down on, and always be disgusted by.
Reach your arm out and put it around them.
And then, tell them they’re all right. Tell them they have a friend. Tell them you love them. Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing
It diminishes us all
It costs lives: Bigotry = Death
WE become Invisible to each other
It perpetuates lies and stereotypes
It builds bridges of hatred
Have you ever experienced bigotry/discrimination? How did it make you feel? Call it whatever you wish, bigotry, discrimination or just hatred of others is poisonous and leads to conflict and chaos. Emma Goldman once shared that “it requires less mental effort to condemn than to think,” and that is true. Until we stop condemning and hating each other, bigotry would never end. When we cast aspersions over an entire group and judge them through a narrow lens, it diminishes us all and our claim to being reasonable, intelligent people. Bigotry is not intelligent behavior; it is often based on fear, lack of understanding, and assumptions about others and their way of life. If we stopped to consider our collective humanity and the fact that our actions have a tremendous impact on everyone in our path, including our loved ones, we might be a bit more mindful of such acts of hatred.
On Thursday evening, after a long day of blogging conference meet ups, I took the subway down to 14th Street in the hopes of catching a cab to the parking lot, near the Chelsea Piers, where I had left my car. My bags were very heavy and, as cab after available cab sped by, my heart sunk. I came to the realization that I would have to either wait for a crosstown bus that was nowhere in sight or walk to the garage before they closed their doors and doubled my fees. I walked. I walked and walked, never giving up hope of finding a cab to get me to the garage. My bags left welts on both shoulders and, by the time I got to the garage, my right shoulder was bruised and bleeding. I have the bruises on my shoulders as proof of that terrible evening. To me, they are a painful reminder that we have a long way to go in healing the hatred and misinformation we hold about each other around the globe.
Does the subject of Bigotry make you uncomfortable? WHY? If this post makes you uncomfortable, I suggest you pause and consider why. Wishing bigotry away, won’t make it go away. What are we feeding our hearts/minds about each other privately? What are we teaching our children about people who don’t look or live like us? Remaining silent won’t make it go away. You don’t have to demonstrate, you can start with what makes you most comfortable — speak out. Write. Challenge it in your home, your neighborhood, amongst your friends/family. Doing nothing = NOTHING!
Needless to say, the garage doubled my fees because I made it there five minutes after the appointed time. Initially, I was furious. Then a pained sadness settled in my spirit. Why would any cabbie assume that EVERY well dressed female of color wants to hurt them? Why would any of us assume that people who don’t look like us or hold our beliefs don’t deserve to live? Why would any of us assume that people who don’t look like us or hold our beliefs are out to get us? How did we get to this place of paranoia?
“Do you know what we call opinion in the absence of evidence? We call it prejudice.” Michael Crichton, State of Fear
Reflections: The Price Of Bigotry
Definition: Bigotry -The concept of Bigotry can have slightly different meanings in American and British English.
In British English it refers to a state of mind where a person is obstinately, irrationally, or unfairly intolerant of ideas, opinions, or beliefs that differ from their own, and intolerant of the people who hold them.[1][2]
In American English, the term can be used similarly; however, it can also be used to refer to intolerance towards a group of people in general based on their group characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.[3][4] via Wikipedia
It dehumanizes us all
It costs lives: Bigotry = Death
WE become Invisible to each other
It perpetuates lies and stereotypes
It builds bridges of hatred
What stops us from gaining clarity over bigotry? Bigotry is a sad, human quality that poisons us all. On Thursday evening, I joined a long line of folks who have had the pathetic, discriminatory experience of being snubbed by a slew of empty NYC yellow cabs because of what we look like. The Mayor of San Juan had a taste of it, and so have other folks; many of them minorities. Before you jump to their defense, let me be the first to say that there are lots of hardworking and fair cabbies who routinely pick up fares to places that make them uncomfortable. In many instances, nothing goes wrong. Unfortunately, there is a percentage that, like rotten, sour apples, gives the rest a bad name.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that we’ve all read/heard/seen new reports of bigoted behavior that led to the death of a long list of men and women. It is harrowing, unconscionable and tragic. When we see each other as less than human, we become invisible, and our longstanding stereotypes take hold over our common sense. All of us need to hit the pause button, set aside our prejudices and self-hatred, and start thinking of the humanity in each of us. WE might not agree on the same things but, we all bleed and we have people who love us deeply. Before lashing out at someone who doesn’t fit your vision of “human and good,” imagine how you’d feel if that hatred was directed at your family, your child, your parents, or even your beloved pet… Would you kick your child to the ground or refuse your loved one a ride?
More Below!
“Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.” George Gordon Byron
Reflections: The Price Of Bigotry
“If he were allowed contact with foreigners he would discover that they are creatures similar to himself and that most of what he has been told about them is lies. The sealed world in which he lives would be broken, and the fear, hatred, and self-righteousness on which his morale depends might evaporate. It is therefore realized on all sides that however often Persia, or Egypt, or Java, or Ceylon may change hands, the main frontiers must never be crossed by anything except bombs.” ― George Orwell, 1984
It destroys us all
It costs lives: Bigotry = Death
WE become Invisible to each other
It perpetuates lies and stereotypes
It builds bridges of hatred
Do you believe in eliminating differences? Why would you want to live in a world with no color or diversity of beliefs and interests? When we start paying attention to how we allow petty hatreds and discriminatory practices to continue, we will find that the poison impacts us all. We can choose to build bridges of hatred and petty-mindedness or open our hearts and minds to respecting everyone’s right to be… When we surround ourselves with people who spew hate on a daily basis, that toxicity will affect us.
How can we become part of the solution? Communicate. Speak up. Reflect. How can you hate what you don’t know? Ask questions. Reach out and educate those around you. Open your heart and mind to the humanity in others. Heal and help.
To the cab drivers and all those other local drivers who speed through yellow lights to get away from X: What are you doing behind closed doors that makes you so frightened of people who don’t look like you? What poison are you feeding your family and friends? It’s time to re-evaluate your actions and think about what you’d love to leave as a legacy for your loved ones in this divisive world. Be the change!
Positive Motivation Tip: Ending Bigotry begins with us; it begins with our perceptions of ourselves, our perceptions of others, and the prejudices we use as excuses for our intolerance. Embrace and love yourself so you can learn to embrace others.
Related Posts
- Motivation Mondays: Forgiveness (mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: Courage (mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: Acceptance (mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: CHANGE (mirthandmotivation)
- Reflections: Be The Change… (mirthandmotivation)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Disclogo by Keith Tyler (Free Public Domain Photo) via Wikipedia. Do The Right Thing cap, and Poisonous Orange Mushrooms from my Personal Collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
really interesting post.
Sometimes I just don’t understand the way people treat each other. It;s absolutely despicable.
Yes, I don’t understand it either but, it is endemic and toxic.
It’s a word I wish didn’t exist at all. Uglier than many that are used to describe each other.
Well said Scott. It is uglier than many, many other words. TY!
This sure is a great challenge! I think I’m up for it. On my to do list for tomorrow. This will be harder then it looks I’m sure.
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced it personally, but I do know it’s big and is a problem. It definitely does begin with us, everything does. We need to be the change.
This is a great exercise for practicing forgiveness.
What a powerful piece. Hate is death, and we need to rise from the death that’s been surrounding us in this country.
Sadly, it is a global problem too. We must all rise above our stuff and live and let live…
There is a lot of this going on in today’s world. I always try and remember Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” We are all one, and nobody should be putting down another. 🙂
That is true…
I love this quote – “Do you know what we call opinion in the absence of evidence? We call it prejudice.” Michael Crichton, State of Fear. It speaks so much about today’s world, where everyone is a judge in themselves. Bigotry is an evil thing that, if unaddressed, can wreck havoc on society.
Sadly, it does…
I’m so sorry that happened to you. I hate that the actions of a few cause so many more undeserving people to suffer. This world would indeed be boring were it not for diversity and individuality. Thanks for the great post!
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback Helena! It would be a boring world indeed.
I married my high school/college sweetheart and we both were from a large metropolis area and never experienced this type of behavior until we traveled together – to other areas, . . . that were not used to seeing an interracial couple – people can really be awful sometimes!
Thank you! I know that experience well as I did same… It is so unhealthy to have that much hatred for others.
This has been a very interesting read. I believe we should indeed love people where they’re at. We should seek to understand and listen to others even if we disagree with them.
That said, I’m reminded of these 2 quotes:
“Can I value what you have to say even if it isn’t something I agree with or understand? If not, then I will begin a process of judgements and punishments that send messages of invalidation. Many of us don’t realize that we create a world where everyone has to look and sound like us or we have no value for them. Before I know it I’ve surrounded myself with myself in order to get along with others.” – Danny Lee Silk
And from a religious standpoint…
“Your theological convictions are not too strong but too weak if you can’t be friends with someone whose convictions are different from yours.” – Tullian Tchividjian
Well said Jonathan. We need more regular folks speaking out.
Splendid. Indeed, there is beauty in diversity and that is why the master creator made it so. Not all human were snipers, axe murderers and thieves and yes, we should keep sharing and influencing with positive, nurturing standpoints. Thank you
There is beauty in diversity… How come the Bigots miss that and see only fear and hate?
Narrow minded people are simply like that. They don’t see beyond their noses 🙁
Sadly… true!
Bigotry is definitely an issue in this country. I wish we could all just get along!
Yes. Easier said than done. I want more of us to speak up about it and work harder in our homes to put a stop to the hatred.
It is a interesting article, Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Ending Bigotry begins with us; it begins with our perceptions of ourselves and others, and the prejudices we use as excuses for our intolerance. Embrace and love yourself so you can learn to embrace others.
You are so right on this. We should evaluate how we look at others. The world is definitely prettier with all those colors and we shouldn’t judge other people just because they don’t look like us.
True Esme and I just don’t get the ugliness of bigotry. It makes me sad…
Thank you so much for addressing this topic. It is so very important, but difficult to talk about for most.
It is sadly a difficult subject to broach because many are in denial about it… Some don’t know what to say or do and others wish it would just go away. Wishing isn’t going to change a damn thing. We can speak out about it and that way, we are adding our voice to this tragic human conversation.
Very powerful post. Great illustrations, as well. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve experienced a lot of racism towards myself in the last year and it has been a really eye opening experience. It makes me sad that anyone would put energy into hating anything, much less people.
Indeed… They forget that hate, like love, is energy and it reverberates right back.
This is a very deep article that really delivers good message. Love how you wrote it. Really made a lot of sense for me.
Thank you Rob… I hope it touches those who really need to let go of this ugly behavior.
I never realised that the NYC taxi drivers were like that! Surely a fare is a fare = money! I hope your shoulders are ok chick and that you had to go through that. We live in a world where the haters don’t even know why they hate and the fighters don’t even know why they fight. If people took a step back and actually thought for themselves things maybe different! Sim xx
So true… I’ll be fine. I just had to say something about Bigotry in general as I see versions of it quite often; even in the bubble we call the blogosphere. it is sad… TY!
I think the answer to getting over bigotry is education. Education will set us free Unfortunately, there are places in the world including here in the US, where people are not educated to free their minds.
It also begins at home. What we feed our children will take them into adult life. TY!
There are many people who will put down others to make themselves feel better. Although we can’t prevent nor diminish people from putting us down, we must stay strong!
And speak out because SILENCE = CONSENT!
I try to deal kindly with everyone but there are days when I struggle with the odd person.
I hear you… we can all do better with our daily interactions. I know my post is probably speaking to the choir. Most likely, those who need to stop the ugliness don’t read my blog. 🙂
I love this post. I have been feeling very passionately about all that has been going on in the news with police violence the last few months. As someone who grew up in a mostly white area, this has been an eye opener for me. I started sending my 3 year old to a very diverse preschool, and I hope he is better for it.
Thank you K! Sadly, those who create all the hate make those who work in their field, and do the right thing, look bad. The cops in my area are very nice and know us by our names. They don’t do stuff like that but the ugliness taints them and others who uphold the law. Makes me sad. 🙁
This is definitely a topic that I have not thought much about, but your examples clearly show how this happens anywhere in the world, and no matter who we are, we can be subjected to it as well.
It is so important understand as people we can disagree with lifestyles and choices and still love one another.
Thanks for tackling such a big subject!
It makes me sad that this is the world we live in & unfortunately it just seems to get worse :-/ I really believe a lot of the time these types of things start in the home and it just boggles my mind that parents would teach and allows such things.
I have little (no) tolerance for bigotry. I’ve seen many friends discriminated against and I don’t understand the hate in this world.
Neither do it… but it persists because folks resist opening their minds to the humanity in others.
i had a lot of racism whilst growing up but its improved a lot. being a girl working in the technology sector, there’s a lot of discrimination.
I can imagine that…
The topic of bigotry only makes me uncomfortable when I’m around someone who practices it. I was for years, and now I’m not and I feel so free, honestly a huge weight is just gone. Negativity is no fun, esp. when it’s chronic.
You are a strong woman and admired by many. Stay Blessed!
I was brought up to love and respect everyone–no matter who or what they are or believe. I am expert at agreeing to disagree! Bigots, IMO, are small minded people who never have looked further then their own backyard if that far!
Well said… <3
It is hard to take it when someone got discriminated. Just so unfair and brainless. We are all the same so treat others with respect.
cool blog!!
For me individuality and uniqueness and equality is important. We should impart to oour children that yes, we are all different but that should not hinder us from being equal and treating everyone fairly
Ending bigotry starts with us! And is important to teach that to our children too!
It does.
The current climate with regards to race is very scary. I am trying to raise my children to love everyone and be tolerant.
It is very, very scary! We all need to teach our kids to be tolerant, reasonable and balanced in how they view others…
Yes, I have experienced it but I have chosen to not look for it. A personal decision. If it approaches me, I deal with in a manner appropriate to its measure. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this inspirational post. We need to think more about our behavior and attitude!
Very interesting post. I have no tolerance for bigotry (from either side). Everyone needs to learn how to get along on this mud ball we call earth.
Although I haven’t been judged for the color of my skin, I have been judged for many other reasons. Not fun.
Not fun at all… 🙁
If you do not live in a place where all races and religion co-exist, you tend to develop the feeling that you (and your group) are better than others. That is where bigotry begins. That is why children should be exposed to people of different races and religion as early as possible. – Fred
That would help for sure…
Really great post. I have no tolerance for bigotry and it sickens me that anyone has to go through such a thing. We are all HUMANS.
Sadly, there are those who believe differently. Their hatred of others maintains the chaos and status quo of global instability.
Bigotry hurts so, so many people.
I dont notice it much in my personal day to day, but I have seen it a lot growing up and it makes my skin crawl.
It’s really upsetting how often you see the “us vs. them” mentality around the world. When you’re a kid you think it’s just a few bullies but as you grow up you see it everywhere.
The bullies become adults filled with rage and hate…
It is insane how some people justify discrimination and it is absolutely disgusting. It just has to stop. :O
Bigots aren’t born….they are bred. I won’t sit silent any longer when I hear someone make a bigoted remark. Usually, I turn my head to the side a little , look at them and say “did you really just say that?”
Good and we should all do this too.
I think of Christ when he hung on the cross and asked the father to “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
If we could see each other as we really are, as God see us, would ever ever treat each other so hurtfully?
People hurt other people intentionally and carelessly all the time. I have been hurt by remarks about what kind of mother i am. My friend has been hurt by thoughtless comments about her infertility. I have another friend who has been hurt by innuendos made by people who don’t know her about whether or not she is legal in the us (which she is) My husband has been hurt by dismissing comments made about him because he never got a degree and is self employed.
We all need to stop with the hate, and instead love one another (even if we cannot love someones actions we can still love the person. Oh and a big part of loving is forgiving.
Beautifully shared… Thank you for your wise words. <3
What a great read! Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙂
At first place i always wishes these words don’t have existed and secondly it is difficult to understand the way people treat each other even friends sometime.
You are right. Bigotry equals death. We have lost so many precious lives because of bigotry, and we continue to lose more every day. It cannot keep going like this. We can’t keep doing this to each other.
Thank you Holly! We need to all speak up because Silence also = death.
No one is absolutely above the other as others can be good with a skill and others are not. Not everybody is created equal not inferior in all aspect. Bigotry has no place in this world.
It’s made a home in the hearts of the ignorant and mean spirited. Sad but true…
It exists and can be understood with much sense to eduacate oneself. Really, meant to familiarize things with the perspective unlike what you’re perceived of.
Well this was a heavy ready for a friday morning but a good one. Bigotry is not right in my opinion it definitely needs to be worked up and not wished away. Colour and diversity adds vibrance to our world.
I’m with you on this Hannah! TY! 🙂
A very interesting read that made me ponder on some aspects of life. Is bigotry good for one to change for the better? That I will answer for myself.
There seems to be so much hate in this world. I don’t know why we can’t all just love each other!
Likewise… 🙂
Oh yes!!! I have never been feel discriminated until I worked in a call center. There are so many rude people on earth, they will judge you based on what they heard. This woman is very rude just because her payment didn’t go through and even ask me if I was located in Asia..don’t want to cost her phone bill with an international charge…hello!!! when it says TOLL FREE that means you won’t be charge at all, and its funny to think that even when it’s 1800 number still that means they won’t charge you because it’s an international/domestic charge.
I can only imagine what you put up with… we need to all hit that pause button. <3
I will never understand how cruel people can be to one another. Thanks for bringing more awareness to bigotry and hate. I believe that respecting another person comes along way.
It sure does… Sadly, the bigots poison their family and friends with their ignorance.
Sorry you had to go through that, Elizabeth. I had heard from other people regarding the difficulty of getting a taxi in NYC because of ethnicity, and it seems to be a constant and known issue. :/ Changes to the mentality are necessary.
Thank you Ronnie! It’s not the worst act of bigotry I’ve experienced in America but, given all the terrible events of the last several months, I had to address it. Sadly, I’/m preaching to the choir. The bigots don’t read my blog. <3
This should not be a part of our world. We all breathe the same air and want the same love and acceptance.
Well said…
Bigotry has no place in my life! I teach my children that everyone deserves respect and love unless the prove they don’t deserve it and that has only to do with their actions and nothing else.
Exactly… Imagine a world where every parent taught that wise lesson? It would make a huge shift in this world.<3
What a crazy world we live in. Scared for my childrens future!
We are, many of us… Good to see you at the Conference! <3
Phew, powerful post. You are right that just wishing it will go away, make it make it go away. Educating and doing the right thing will help it to go away. We need to get folks to open their minds.
interesting post. It came at the right time. Thanks for posting.
You are welcome…. <3
We are all the same on the inside. We just have to look past the exterior to see how similar we are.
I couldn’t say it any better.
I know people hate but I did do not understand why people feel the need to discriminate and hate on another human being
This is a great post and inspiring as well. It is a topic we need to hear about more for sure. I think ending bigotry does begin with us. Thanks for sharing.
It is sad of what have the world become…
We all discriminate. It is with bigotry that we truly lose our ability to learn and connect.
Some more so than others… We need to do a humanity check… all of us! <3
Thank you for this thought provoking blog. There is way too much hatred in this world. We should all take this challenge.
Wendy, thank you!
i have encountered many haters in my life but always remember at the end of the day, it’s up to us if we want to be affected.
True and we need to speak up about it. SILENCE = DEATH!
I think it is important that we stay strong when people are going to be bad at you. And I think this happens in every part of the world these days & unless the people themselves realize it, its not going to help much.
it is sad that some people have no hearts and souls that they rather see other people hurt because of their actions.
I hate people that are mean and full of themselves.
Pray for them… forgive them. <3
This is such an informative post. The topic does make some uncomfortable yet it is important to consider why.
It breaks my heart that some people have to live in a world surrounded by hate. No one has the right to treat anyone that way.
Sad but true. TY!
This is such a great post. It’s sad that we still have to deal with bigotry in today’s society.
Throughout the majority my life, I have encountered minimal acts of bigotry (in comparison to other people), but lately…I’ve been noticing an upsurge of it that sometimes has my jaw dropping. It can get very depressing.
This is a great challenge, I would love to try this one and see how I handle it.
You have a very powerful voice and a powerful message, I hope this one gets to more readers. Sadly, it is a topic most people want to ignore. But it is timely, especially after the Taylor Swift-Nicki Minaj twitter debacle.
Thank you Phylicia… You are right. Most people would like it to just vanish but it won’t. All of us have to work hard at changing our attitudes towards others.
Discrimination comes in so many forms. I think we as a society have become immune to thinking for the most part. I am a blatantly honest person, and I even have to step back and constantly question myself. My question is always “Is what they choose, in any way harming me?” Most of the time it’s a NO…Thats when I step back and let people be them! I expect the same in return.
Interesting approach Lizz H. TY!
There’s no room for Bigotry in our lives.
This is a big topic these days and I imagine will stay that way for a long time.
It pays to have an open mind to prevent discriminating against other people. This is not an easy task, but it can be done.
I am so sorry that you experienced this. I hate that in this world, so many are so hateful. I had a family member once tell me after I had my son that no white man would ever want me because my son was proof that I was damaged goods. People are despicable.
My goodness… I’m left speechless. <3
Bigotry=Death is a bit dramatic in my opinion but I do agree that it leads to a lot of hate.
Jeksa, many, many people have lost their lives to acts of bigotry so it is not dramatic, it’s deadly!
Bigotry is something we don’t need. I hope we end it and just respect each other.