In order to see what is really there, we need to make sure there are no obstacles to block us.

Obstacles can be more than tangible objects like a felled tree or even fog. Obstacles include preconceived notions that blur people’s view, especially when it comes to people they’re not familiar with, which is of course where prejudice and racism and stereotyping come from.

I had mentioned in a previous post that these perceptions could be because someone experienced a traumatic event perpetuated by someone of a certain race or sex or ethnicity – totally understandable that they would then be wary and defensive of anyone of that same race or sex or ethnicity. Another reason for the perception could be learned or based on third party information (like the media).

It has always been my belief that the first reason for any prejudice or racism or any other ism is economic – any perceived threat of losing their livelihood, or any justification for increasing their wealth or obtaining resources. So easy to justify by demonizing or “civilizing” others (since they think these people don’t deserve whatever resource is being sought).