Humanity & biases

By Steve Gust

There’s a lot of talk these days about prejudice and how to correct the problem.

I think most people want to see everyone get a fair shake in life, I know that I do.

Steve Gust

But, like it or not, people seem to form opinions in their head.

For instance, folks will hold one opinion on seeing someone dressed in a tux and another person who is homeless.

That’s just the way people react to a situation.

And a lot of folks will swear up and down that they aren’t prejudiced.

Here’s a good question for them.

How do they feel about people who are prejudiced?

And how do they know, for sure, that all those people;e they think discriminate, actually do?

It seems to me that people are quick to fall into one camp or another. If you’re a liberal you might be tempted to not want to have anything to do with a conservative and vice versa.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong in condemning someone who is an outright bigot.

But it might be helpful to want to try to realize how that person got that way. Perhaps it can be prevented.

And it never hurts to want to pray for them as well.

In terms of political discourse, it’s not a bad idea to try to be reasonable with someone who disagrees with you.

And I’ll be the first to admit that I need to take that advice as well.

Seems to be a challenge for lots of folks.

—— I understand that President Biden and AG Merrick Garland may want to prosecute another 1,000 people from the Jan. 6 riot.

I said this at the time, but yes prosecute those who committed vandalism or an assault.

But if it’s just a simple trespassing charge, ticket them and move on.

And then maybe the Justice Department can give others matters attention and possibly prosecute those who trespass over our borders.

Now there’s a good idea.

(Steve Gust, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.)