Fear of Differences

Why are we, as a society, so afraid of anyone who isn’t just like us? At the end of each of the three articles I was left with the same feeling – what kind of amazing strength these people must have to endure the bigotry and prejudice they constantly face when all they are looking for is acceptance, a sense of belonging. It’s natural for people to gravitate toward things they are familiar with – we’re all guilty. I noticed as people walked into the classroom Tuesday that generally men sat with men, older students sat in the same areas, even the young female students grouped themselves together. But is it necessary to ostracize those that are different? Is there a reason we are unable to embrace the individuality of others? “We must reconstruct “belonging” to embrace the experiences of all human beings” (Alsultany, 294). It sounds easy enough but most of us are controlled by a fear of what we don’t understand and that fear keeps us from taking the steps necessary to engage in true acceptance. I am baffled as to why it is necessary to make people choose a culture. If we want to teach our children about the glories of diversity, we need to start by letting them be who they are rather than making them choose to be black OR white OR Asian OR Jewish if they are, in fact, all of the above. If we begin their lives by teaching them that there is a stigma attached to being multi-racial or multi-cultural then we are starting their lives promoting prejudice rather than fighting it. It is unreasonable to make them pick one culture to belong to when they were born into many. I found (what I think) is a great response to this...see video below.

Alsultany, Clare and Martin have all experienced the pain associated with being different due to lifestyle choices, disability and even skin color. All three are strong and outspoken which gives them an edge that many don’t have. I don’t want to say that their strength gives them tolerance but I think it does give them an insight as to the ignorance of people who perpetuate these fears and prejudices. If our society continues to be intolerant of people who are outside the norm, whether by choice or birth, it will never be truly diverse. Diversity isn’t just about being different; it’s about embracing those differences. And who decides what the “standard” is for being normal or different? Clare makes a good point – “It usually only takes one long glance at the gawkers…….and they’re gone” (Clare, 227). A line from Gawking, Gaping, Staring I thought served all three well, “My best heroes and teachers don’t live on pedestals. They lead complex, messy lives, offering me reflections of myself and standing with me against gawkers” (Clare, 226). These are extraordinary people who just want to be treated ordinary. They don’t want to be treated with special courtesy, just with the same courtesy and respect you would want for yourself. There shouldn’t be any fear involved in putting everyone on equal footing.

I know we aren’t supposed to say “loved the readings”…but I did.