Cobwebs of Stereotype
Preconceived notions have become common in our society. Many of us spend a good part of our lives seeing the world through the lens of others. These notions are dangerous because they create a barrier between two individuals. It eats away every chance of harmony and gives birth to conflicts. Stereotyping should never be supported, and self-introspection is necessary to find out if our minds are also clogged with cobwebs of stereotype. If yes, then we need to work on our perspectives. Why? Because prejudging is simply injustice!
Don’t Generalise
There are many stereotyped communities in this world. Some are labelled as regressive, others are called terrorists, some are called greedy, and so on. This is as unfair as it can get. A community is a group of individuals and every individual is unique. Just because few members of a particular community turned out bad doesn’t mean that we can label the entire community negatively.
This world is very big and there many people out there who we don’t even know. One rude person living in the building does not mean that everyone living in the same building is rude. For the same reason, any community or person cannot be and should not be generalised. Don’t paint the entire community with the same brush.
Ask a Question
“People are hostile towards what they do not know or cannot understand”- Ali ibn Abi Talib
The best way to clear out a misconception is to ask and then listen to what the other person has to say. If you are not satisfied with the answer, then give reasons based on your intellect. Healthy debates are the best option to settle conflicts.
Many people shy away from asking questions. One reason is that they fear the reaction of the other person, and the second reason is indifference. The indifference towards one’s own stereotypical mindset is very dangerous and can lead to toxicity. One should be aware of his/her opinions and should know the “why” of those opinions. If you have an opinion for which there is no valid justification, then you need to ask questions.
We generally hold a negative opinion of something which we cannot understand. For example, we might term a community regressive because of their certain beliefs and practices but, how many times do we try to reach out to them to clear our doubts? How many times have we tried to form our own opinion by studying their beliefs? It might be possible that the practices which we find odd might have some strong logical reasons.
Another important thing is that questions should be asked respectfully. A disrespectfully asked question becomes an accusation that may further lead to discord.
“Ask in order to understand, and do not ask in order to find fault, for surely the ignorant man who wants to learn resembles a man of knowledge, and surely a man of knowledge who wants to be difficult resembles an ignorant man who wants to find fault.” — Ali ibn Abi Talib
Respect
Have respect for other cultures. Learn to accept diversity. Don’t regard someone with disdain because they look or wear clothes differently. Respect people for what they are and not for the way they look. Don’t judge others merely by looking at them because you would not want the same for you. No one is perfect. We all have flaws. Then why judge others?
“You should desire for others what you desire for yourself, and hate for others what you hate for yourself. Do not oppress, just as you do not like to be oppressed. Do good to others just as you would like good to be done to you. Dislike in yourself what you dislike in others. Accept that treatment from others which you would like others to accept from you. Do not say to others what you do not like to be said to you.” — Ali ibn Abi Talib
Form “YOUR” opinions
Never fall into rumours. Never blindly believe anything about someone, even if it is your best friend telling you the story. It is so because stereotypes are formed by rumours that originate from the people around us and, we easily fall prey to them. Try to communicate with others as much as possible but never judge someone solely on the way they interact with you. It is so because there are many depressed who laugh a lot and many happy souls who speak less. Sometimes, those appearing pious turn out to be most toxic. Judge people wisely and on your own.
We all want to live in a world that is filled with peace, harmony, and justice. We all think of changing the world, but this world is huge and changing it seems quite impossible, but changing oneself is possible. If we bring a good change in us, then it will surely have a positive impact on those around us.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
