Quite frequently society is unable to progress and overcome prejudice because of the vicious circle of trying to overcome it by highlighting it.

Let’s consider a hypothetical situation… the police suspect two people of drug smuggling. One is a young Caucasian female; the other is a middle-aged South American male with previous drug-related convictions. The evidence points to both suspects being involved but the woman claims to have been coerced. After further investigations, it unfolds that the woman was in fact calling the shots and was blackmailing the man to act as a cover. The police publicise the result of the case as an example of their not allowing prejudice to disrupt the path of justice.

The seemingly positive and noble declaration of “I’m not going to conclude x because y = z” just keeps alive the distinction that “y = z” as much as “x because y = z”. I have even succumbed to such prejudice in my example. The hypothetical police force has alluded to it because they see it as an example, even though their intentions are good.

Making a good example only potentially works in times of peace. The good intention of the example maker has no definite influence on how it is received by others. If someone feels that their social position is even remotely threatened they will uphold that “y = z” if “z” separates “y” from themselves and so, therefore, the case of “x = y” must advantageously infer “x = y = z”.

The best example of prejudice actually disappearing is seen amongst children. With no influence to suggest to them that “x” is intrinsically linked to “y = z” they will never draw such an irrational conclusion. Instead they will conclude that “y + a = x”.

It seems we only care about other people’s differences when we feel threatened, which is really just an admission that we are different ourselves. If it’s possible to argue that we are all different then it’s also possible to argue we are all in fact the same in the sense that we are all different.

Can we ever treat each other as equals if we always feel threatened? If those in power want to maintain the inequality currently prevalent do they simply have to encourage fear?

What is needed is for people to recognise their own level of isolation and decide whether their fears are real or dictated to them. Be the innocent child and make these calculations based on your own perceptions, regardless of history and second hand evidence.

This month's favourites:
   Kacey Musgraves, A Very Kacey Christmas
   Arthur Miller, The Crucible
   Before Sunrise (1995)