Instantly Forming Judgment of Others.

¶ … instantly forming judgment of others. Some of these judgments likely come as a result of socialization, but I think that socialization theories are incorrect in affirming that all mental schemas, namely decisions, judgment, conclusions, beliefs and so forth are as result of enculturation, for I find that many proceed too from personal experience. In fact, most of my negative instantaneous judgments are a result of experiences that have been accrued that go counter to my socialization.

Positive judgments that I consequently make involve color of the skin, dress, and action, as well as general personality characteristics. I am attracted to the Black race since I consider them diligent, hardworking and, generally, people who have overcome terrific odds just as I have. I know what it feels to be a victim, and I tend to gravitate to minority races or individuals who suffer. I tend to gravitate to minority races, too, given the fact that I am curious by the cultural diversity in the world much of it unknown to me. A serious person tends to appeal to me (not too serious though), as well as a girl more than a boy. (Of course the girl has to be attractive too..). An elderly person (up to a certain age appeals to me too. Outgoing individuals attract me. Anything associated with the food profession draws me. Professors, and people in authority, intimidate me. Negative judgments, on the other hand, includes fundamentalism of any kind. It is the -- ism not the individual that repulses me. Repulsed am I too by students who seem to flaunt their wealth and brains and, perhaps, who seem to flaunt anything. Moody individuals distract me, and I dislike the company of someone who seems as thoguh he may well be a bore.

These judgments have certainly affected the not always intentional way that I react to others, and, occasionally, I realize that I have erred. Most likely too I have possibly lost out by my reaction if not in self-reinforcing prophecy than in the motion of losing a potential benefit. One of my closest friends, in fact, has all the disadvantages (each and every one) listed above. I tried to repulse her on first encounter. Serendipity revealed to me her true value.

These instinctive, snap judgment would certainly effect me as educator since they would preclude me from seeing the true value of the student, from treating him or her as an individual, and form giving him a chance. Self-reinforcing prophecy may then make him react in kind instigating a certain pattern of concur and thought on both our parts that would be detrimental to both of us and to all concerned

2. The Quiz.

Admittedly, I received 14 answers incorrect, and was graded a total of 1. I was surprised to discover that answers were less intuitive than I thought and that racism, apparently, existed on a far wider scale than I perceived it to be. This comment comes accompanied by the observation that surveys are accompanied by a host of problems, particularly those that are structured to address the association's agenda (although some of these sources clearly were not).

3. The Essay

The essay discusses the concept of racism in the classroom. Helling believes that racism is an inescapable matter and that Blacks (and other of minority races) are often at an academic disadvantage because not only do they have to spend to much time (compared to Whites who spend no time at all) refuting and challenging racism, but they also have a plethora of negative voices that potentially hinder them from succeeding. Rather than ignoring the concept of racism, as many educators seem to do (by saying that they do not 'allow" race" in the classroom), Helling believes that we should be cognizant of its presence and discuss it so that we are better able to deal with it, and other biases, in a more productive manner.

Helling's essay reminds me of a talk that I once heard by Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa who devotes her life to fighting racism. She too condemned the perspective that racism does not exist, and provided the beautiful allegory of her mother who loves gardening and therefore, extends herself in collecting a diversity of exotic vegetation and plants. Were a neighbor to look at the flowers and comment that all looked the same, the mother would feel insulted. Similarly, too, concluded Ms. Tutu, God has crated different 'flowers' in His garden. By assessing that all look alike, the individual is only criticizing God. God deliberate created a diverse world. He recognizes that each race has its own particular contribution to afford the world just as its individual, with his own particular talents and characteristics have too. The fact that different colors, cultures, mannerism, way of life, physical features, and so forth exist does not infer that we condemn and denigrate others who are different to us. On the contrary, we should recognize and applaud their differences and seek to learn form them. Racism does exist, concluded Ms. Tutu. We have to acknowledge its existence and seek to address the problem.

Ms. Tutu's perspective corresponds to that of the essayist, but I still consider the essayist to be radically slanted in her perspective. Not all individuals do discriminate against African-Americans; Whites also face discrimination, at times, that they are not African-Americans (in fact some prominent African-Americans believe that too much privilege accorded to Blacks have stunted some Black youngsters). I think this sentiment can be applied to any disadvantaged population. Discrimination seems to be a factor of the period. Contrary to Helling's assertion, Irish (White though they may be) too have encountered it. At one time, many of the Irish living in major cities were compelled to live in cellars or shanties (called 'Irish Towns' or 'Shanty Towns') and were frequently faced with employment ads that were followed by the words: IRISH NEED NOT APPLY (Negra, 2006). The appearance of other immigrants -- primarily Jews, Slavs, and Italians -- shifted the stroke of prejudice from Irish -- Americans to others; and the Irish, due to their organizational skills and tenacity became fully recognized Americans. But racism, to some form of people or other, persists, and likely always will.

Discrimination and racism, in general, is incorrect, but I think that exaggerated attention is sometimes accorded exaggerated attention to the exclusion of other issues that, if addressed, may obviate the problem.