Reading Reflection #5

"Hey-wait-a-minute! ... You're not a Jew, are you?!" (pg 149) Wow, the author totally let us see a different side of him in this chapter, Expressing Inequalities. Apparently this topic really hit home for him. Having someone question your religion at such a young age can be life changing, especially when that person also threatens your safety. I really was glad to see the author giving us a little bit of his life stories, it made the read more enjoyable, and I was able to see things from his point of view as well as my own.
My first reaction to his story was one of rage. I really wish I could have been there to stop that other child from hitting him. I couldn't believe that something like that occurred without any thing being done about it. Of course that was a different generation. But was it? This generation also experiences hate crimes, such as the Jena (6) incident where nooses were found hanging from a tree in a prominently black and white high school. Those nooses were not considered hate crimes, but a school prank. We haven't come as far as we think we have.
The author really painted a clear picture for me by giving the definition to stereotypes. I had an "Alright!" moment when I read that people use stereotypes in order to see our social environment as a more understandable and manageable place. We are always defining classes and other groups, which in response creates a fulfilling prophecy of some kind. This needs to stop! It is a never ending cycle that continues to loop around, and will eventually strangle us. It really isn't necessary to classify people into groups, whether they are being seen in a good light or not,which is called the "model minority". For example, the stereotype that all Asians are smart. A compliment? Possibly, but still a stereotype none the less. It is when these stereotypes become unfavorable judgements on our behalf, they are known as prejudices.
After I read the piece on racial transparency, I have totally changed my beliefs. I didn't honestly think that whites never experienced racial tensions, but institutionally I guess they really haven't. I hate the fact that being white means I don't have to worry about certain things that others do have to worry about. Now I will look for opportunities where I can change this.
Overall this chapter was very insightful, and the author's point of view on the subject was very refreshing. Hopefully he continues to do this in future chapters.