A moment that I remember of witnessing bias, prejudice or oppression is one that I heard about from my cousin. It involved my cousin and uncle who both have their pilot licenses and live in Arizona. They were both very prejudice of anyone outside the white race. One day while flying, they spotted a group of Native Americans; so they decided to fly extremely low around them. They did this several times, causing the Native Americans to be ducking. Upon the fourth pass by, my cousin realized that the group was gathered for a funeral. My uncle and cousin felt bad afterwards, and left them alone.
This act diminished equity in that all cultures have the right to mourn or show respect for the deceased. With the ceremony being interrupted by the plane flying low, it was disrespectful to the living and also the deceased.
When my cousin told me about this I became so enraged. I was ashamed to consider them my family. I was also upset because our heritage includes Native American. Our great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee. This act was a disgrace to our family.
My uncle and cousin since this act have changed their ways. They have turned their lives around and appreciate that every person has the right to live their lives as fit. I am no longer embarrassed to go out with them because I know that there will be no bias remarks made. This incident was a total eye opener especially for my cousin. Considering he was in his 20’s when this happened and is now approaching 50, it shows that people can change and sometimes it may take a while.
Thank you alisa for sharing your story. I am glad that the members in your family saw the error of their way and have changed their views and outlook on those different from themselves.
ReplyDeleteAlisa,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to having family members being prejudice to others race and ethnicity. I have to constantly remind them that are human beings as well. Unfortunately, some of my family members have not change their racial views. However, i will continue to be the voice of fairness and tolerance.
Alisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story, I am glad that they realized that its okay for people to different and they are begun to except people that are different from them. It is hard when we are close to people that are prejudice towards someone else, but all we can do is share information and educate them that difference are alright.
It is so sad to know there are still people that behave that way. How difficult is it to comment to someone when they do things like that? Even though we feel upset, it is difficult, at least for me, to tell someone it uosets me.
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