Discriminate Properly
Before you start reading this article I’d like to say: we all DISCRIMINATE. Before you jump to any conclusions, I’d like to clarify that the dictionary definition of discriminate is to “recognize a distinction; differentiate.” In other words, to distinguish between two objects or structures. These objects can be anything. Every day we discriminate between everyday objects and events. In fact, if your parents or guardians have ever told you not to do something or act a certain way, they were teaching you to discriminate. To discriminate between actions and behaviors.
The problem is, we have been raised in a culture where it is normalized to casually discriminate between anything. But, to put it simply, discriminating between “anything” is highly damaging. Yes, we can and should discriminate against injustice or wrong-doing. But no, we can not and should not differentiate between human beings. Unfortunately, it is human nature to discriminate. Implicit bias is essentially baked into our brain chemistry, even if we don't realize it.
Look at your own social circle, and tell me: are they all of one race, one opinion, one background, one culture or religion? If you said yes to any of the previous questions, you have discriminated. Even I am guilty of these allegations. Most of us are. The worst part is, our social circles are minute examples, look at your schools, workplaces, communities, counties, cities, and states. For all the textbooks, and headlines that have taught us that America is a melting pot of different cultures, we sure haven't stirred it right.
Another problem arises when we realize that it's not just discrimination that's around us, but also stereotyping. We all use stereotypes, whether it's conscious or not. We all have made judgments about people we've never met, from a kid in class to a celebrity. We are all guilty. It's part of our psychology to do so, to judge and separate people. So how do we fix this? How do we fix the psychology that is a part of our existence?
Honestly speaking, the solution is going to be like taking a deep breath and plunging into uncharted waters. We will, quite literally, have to fight our own psychology in order to expand into groups that are unlike us. We will have to listen to other people: their worries, pleas, wonders, and joys. Then in an effort to try and understand what they’re going through, we must utilize empathy, and think about their pleas and worries through the lens of their unique life experience. We must put ourselves in their shoes. Finally, we must act, not just through rallies and protests. We have to actively open our minds, expand our cultures, and ultimately be a friend and ally, not a savior.
So discriminate, against injustice, against censorship, against narrow mindedness, and silence. Let's raise our heads with those who have spoken; let's raise our hands for our brothers, sisters, and everyone in-between; and let's push ourselves to learn to discriminate properly.