The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and 0ppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and 0ppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and oppression or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and or oppression?

I witnessed prejudice against my stepfather who was severely burned over 90 percent of his body, he had this handicap since age 7. After working for a company for 25 years he was laid off, due to budget cuts. This left him having to go out into an environment where he was stared at and rejected at times. I can remember him receiving phone calls for interviews and being eagerly pursued to be employed. However, he would return home from those interviews saddened because the minute he entered the room the eagerness of the interview panel would fade. Although he was well qualified to fulfill the positions as custodian, he knew he never received a full interview or call back due to his handicap. Eventually the only way he got a job was through an influential friend.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

My stepfather who was well qualified lost jobs to those with lesser experience. Our family lacked and struggled because of this bias and prejudice against him because of his disability.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

This incident brought up feelings of anger because of the way he was treated. It also caused me to feel sadness because of my love for him.

What or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

My stepfather, he would need to see this as an opportunity for growth. He always felt shy, and kept to himself because of his appearance. This would be a great opportunity of personal and private growth for him.