In this case, the various challenges that these individuals were exposed to and their ability to overcome them, showed me how the views of the past were incorrect. Where, the accomplishments of person will not be dependent upon: the racial, ethnic or gender group they were from. Instead, it is their overall state of mind and ability to overcome the obstacles that they are facing, that will determine how successful they will be in the future. This is important, because it shows how the lives of a host of individuals, from a variety of backgrounds, would have an impact upon shaping these views. When you step back and analyze the underlying influences on my racial / gender beliefs, it is clear that there are a number of different factors that would influence them. Where, I was following the typical thinking (within society and in the media) about the different racial and gender groups when I was young. However, as programming changed these views would shift,...

At the same time, I would be exposed to personal relationships (i.e. friendships), with a host of different individuals from a variety of groups. This would add to the belief that the race or gender of the person did not matter. Instead, it was their character that was the most important. This would build upon these changing views, to create a different way of looking at other social groups. The final shift in these views occurred with the study of various historical figures throughout history that overcame a tremendous amount of obstacles (to become successful). These different elements are important, because they would shape my views to the point, that I would no longer look at the race / gender of individual. Instead, I would focus on the character of the person and if we had similar interests. Once this took place, it meant that my views on: race, gender, ethnicity and class would change forever.