What keeps us apart? (Sources of the Fear)
All forms of bigotry, prejudice and stereotypes are essentially based on concepts, opinions, knowledge and memory. Specifically it is the way in which our brains process this information that causes much of our problems.
Memory Associations
There are several methods which can be used to memorize ideas and concepts. Typically people use repetition (cramming) to force an idea from their short-term memory into their long-term memory. But there are other methods which occur naturally. One of the most effective is by association, linking something that is unfamiliar conceptually to something that is familiar. (For example : Visualizing a shopping cart on your front porch may help you remember to get groceries on the way home...)
Stereotypes are essentially an association between two items, one which is known and one which is unknown. Because associations are a natural part of the way our minds and memories function there is no real way to avoid the formation of stereotypes, per se, and in and of themselves stereotypes are neither good nor bad, they just are.
The Paradigm Effect
The situation turns problematic when multiple and overlapping associations occur. Generally, people are more likely to form conceptual associations which are similar to associations which they already have. Familiar ideas are easier to accept and believe, they are re-affirming and supportive of a point of view. These ideas seem to almost Leap out at us. Conversely, concepts which are contrary to our already held ideas, concepts and associations become increasingly more and more difficult to fathom as time goes on. In some cases they can become physiologically "invisible" to a person. People literally can't comprehend or see them in their mind's eye.
Collections of association and concepts which enhance and support a particular point of view, are called Paradigms. The tendency for associations and concepts which are contrary to a persons current point of view to be ignored and discounted is called the Paradigm Effect. The impact of this effect has been documented throughout history. Scientist who simply and honestly looked at the facts like Galleleo and Copernicus where ostracized, intimidated and threatened for presenting new concepts and ideas which were outside the accepted Paradigm which was held by the "mainstream" of society (and church) of the day.
When people conceptualize about other people of various heritage and/or cultures ("Races" if you will) they quite naturally use associations and create stereotypes, which in turn become part of complex Paradigms. It is my view that Prejudice and bigotry are the result of the Paradigm Effect on Stereotypes...when facts and the truth concerning individual people are ignored in favor of the previously conceived group which they have been associated with.
The Paradigm Shift
The answer to racism therefore, is for individuals to form "open ended" Paradigms, which support what is called a Paradigm Shift, which is what occurs when a person (or persons) come to the realization that their current Paradigm is inadequate and/or inaccurate and they revise it by (finally) accepting and incorporating new information which had been previous ignored, or gone unrecognized.
Everyone forms associations in their mind, it's unavoidable since that is partially how our minds function. Everyone builds Paradigms from these associations.
Everyone.
But, we must not allow ourselves to simply rest on our own individual Paradigms, we must constantly seek to challenge them, especially when the Paradigms themselves are taken out of context. A Paradigm (or a simple stereotype) which applies to a particular group, may or may not necessarily have any validity when applied to any particular individual within that group.
If that is one of the first conceptual Paradigms that a person forms and learns, then that persons is essentially "innoculated" from bigotry and prejudice. But if it is not, then overriding their current Paradigm with this idea becomes increasingly difficult as time goes on and they become more and more entrenched in their particular point of view.
There is no way to guarantee which Paradigms any individual will form. But if we have a clearer picture of the problem, we can devise methodologies to help us reach the goal.
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to erasing racism, bigotry or prejudice. It will always be with us to some degree because it is a "natural" by-product of how we "nurture" knowledge.
It will always, to some extent, keep us apart.
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