Default responses drive everything that I do. While I don't always realize it, I have certain responses to certain things I see or hear. For example, when I am in a large group of people, or when I'm trying to impress someone, I have a different persona or facade that I assume. But it goes beyond that.
I don't like to think I stereotype certain individuals, but it definitely happens. For example, in St. George, when I see an older, white male wearing conservative clothes, I automatically assume that man is part of the "Mormon elite" and is someone who may be ignorant and support Donald Trump. I come from Seattle, where diversity is much more common. I have Muslim and Mexican friends, so coming to St. George where there is so many people of the same culture (white Mormons), it automatically places barriers between me and these individuals here.
It is the same way with clothes. For example, if I see someone wearing a hoodie and saggy pants, my default response would be to distance myself from that individual. I don't see myself as a racist person in any definition of the word, but I realize I may have default responses of implicit bias against other races that are different than my own. I try to prevent this by making friends with people from other cultures and learning as much as I can.
Default responses are more than just reflects, but we can fight default responses by forcing ourselves to be mindful, critical of ourselves, and always trying to learn about others' points of views.
Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that I too hold that same default response to older conservative males, although I was actually raised here in Utah. I like that you specifically identified clothes for being a source for default responses. I think it's great that you not only acknowledged this but have a plan to try and prevent it.