The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

     A couple of years ago, I was sitting in my bedroom when I heard shouting coming from outside. I looked out my window and saw a white male walking across the street while he was shouting at several Hispanic men sitting on a porch. He was yelling at them to turn off their music which was a little loud; however it was still early and it wasn't disturbing anyone but this particular man. When the men wouldn't turn down their music, the man proceeded to call them derogatory names. There was no reason for him to be using such racist remarks, especially since these men were not doing anything wrong.

     This whole situation made me feel uncomfortable for one. I mean who knew what could escalate out of this? It made me wonder if the men on the porch would retaliate for his racist comments or would the man do something more than yell racial slurs. Secondly, I felt like how dare this man try to tell others what to do just because it was bothering him. These men had every right to listen to their music regardless what other may feel about it. For me, was it the type of music I like to listen to? No, not really. However, I would never tell them to turn off their music because of that reason. In addition, there was no need for the racial slurs or comments.

  To ensure equity, the white man would have to change his thinking and perception of non-white people. Yes, that is probably easier said than done, especially if he was taught this type of "hate" and/or prejudice since he was younger.