Something my assistant said...
By cripfemme
@cripfemme (7698)
United States
January 29, 2009 9:49pm CST
My assistant, who I like a lot even though she's different than me, told me that I stereotype people as, "This person's going to be bad to me" just because they happen to be white, heterosexual, able bodied and male before I even really get to know them.
My response was, "Yes, I do that, as a society we do that, we just need to train ourselves out of it." The question is where to begin. Although most white, able bodied, heterosexual males are not going to harm me and I know this, I also know that it's more likely if someone is going to harm me, that they are going to be a white, able bodied, heterosexual male. Where do you find balance and not open yourself up to problems and violence? Ideas welcome.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
4 Feb 09
My moto is to be nice until it is time not to be nice.I never even think of white heterosexual males as an a hazard.I just see a man. In time I will know if he is dangerous or not.Then it will be time to be not nice. Besides I can go from nice to b*tch in 10 seconds.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
30 Jan 09
Ok, lets start here...why are you more afraid of white males than black or latino or Asian...etc? Have you had bad experiences with the type of male that you described in the past? If so then it's going to be harder for you to get over your distrust of them but it's still possible for you to get past it. The best way to find balance and to overcome your fears is to interact with those you fear in a non-threatening situation as often as you can. I don't know how often you get out but there are many safe avenues for you to get to know people...as people and not just as white, able bodied hetrosexual males. If you don't get out much or would prefer not to do it that way, what about becoming the pen pal of one of our servicemen? There are organizations that do that so that's one way to get to know someone at least a little bit.
