Ideology is a great veil which clouds our interpretation of real world events. It influences our behaviors, how we treat others, and how we feel about ourselves. I think the unfortunate truth is that for most this veil is never lifted. The tinted hue in which we interpret the world becomes so familiar that we do not realize its effect on us. This veil obscures our ability to learn and develop as people, it forces us to see actions and behaviors not as a vivid color spectrum of differing truths and reality, but rather as a dichotomous black and white. It is a natural tendency for us to do this. I do not say that this is a new phenomenon, but rather, that it is an element of daily life that we must recognize and fight against. Our biology and mental capabilities work against us, we stereotype out of survivalist necessity, not because it is moral or right. We are all creatures of habit and of xenophobia. I hold considerable favor toward my in-group not because I feel particular pleasure in denying them a chance at proving themselves, but because I take cheap mental shortcuts against giving them a fair shake. I am lazy. As an individual I enjoy the efficiency of stereotyping and the massive amounts of time it gives me in return. However, what I do not enjoy are the results of stereotyping when brought to a collective scale.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:35:35 +0000
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