When Does Real Change Occur?

For racist, it is when they recognize the difference between genetics and culture. Not when they are forced to accept differences, but rather when they choose to see individuals not as actions, behaviors and attitudes but as themselves "walking in their shoes".

One could suggest, most likely aptly, that part of the issue is that many individuals do not see themselves as human. They see an animal, a beast, a monster, a victim, a god, etc. Perhaps in that id, or ego, or superego lies the archetype that becomes a single point or lense through which all things are measured. However, they tend not to measure themselves through the same lense. Ultimately, without purpose, the archetype becomes, seemingly flawless, yet flawed enough to accept mistakes, even when they are scapegoated.

So a racist must first recognize they are flawed, not just genetically, but behaviorally. That their culture is not perfect, and that no amount of propaganda or "sacrificial lambs" will justify their broad-stroke perspective even when they think it is objective, because it based on that which is subjective.

For change to occur one has to be truly iconoclastic. This can be painful, and sometimes outright heartbreaking. To always destroy those things that you use to judge, not just others, but yourself. To push the limits of what it means to be human, always asking is this "right" or better still attempting to define "right" without the, less than elastic, limits of religion, culture and upbringing.

Just as the racist must see themselves in the eyes of "their lesser". The bigot must take the sames steps. Should they take issue with gender, religion or lifestyle. Always gauge the perceived and real differences of those you have issue with the same means of measurement you use upon yourself.

Ultimately, the bigot is just the beginning of real change. While their is not justification for hate, some prejudices are built on a foundation that is not weak like sand, but sturdy like concrete.

If the "people" you "claim" lead the country in divorce, abortion, drop-outs, and crime per capita, you can't simply blame them system. You must examine the very core of believes you culture revers and insure they aren't at least partly to blame. That prejudice alone is not the reason for the statistics.

If your lifestyle is something you are certain can't be changed, and that anyone who would say that it can is wrong. Perhaps you should examine that perspective. Sexuality, for example, may not be genetic afterall. That sexuality could be a behavior, learned and developed like any other behavior. Not a default program built into the human system at birth. I understand this will make it difficult for some to maintain their prejudices. Others it will destroy the very foundation of their system of belief, their very core. Making the "I was born this way" perspective invalid. Illustrating that is was never a valid foundation for being to begin with.

Always measure yourself with the same device you use on that which angers you, what you fear, what you hate the most. Only then can real change occur.