I see a theme in my last two posts, I have talked about the way that seeing people as individuals, instead of in groups, can greatly change your conscience thinking about them.Why is it that seeing people as individuals, instead of groups of people makes such a drastic difference. There are many groups that I could say I am in: New Trier Student, Wilmette resident, Independent Liberal, Car Magazine reader, Rowing Team Member. But do any of these groups explain me as a person.
A few weeks ago I heard one of the most interesting stories that I have ever heard on NPR. It was a story about mothers of deceased Palestinian and Israeli combatants who met every so often. As one mother put it, "it took us no time at all to realize that we were all the same." I got goosebumps.
It really goes to show how much personalizing a situation can do. I went recently on an exchange program with Kenwood Academy on the South Side. I will admit, before going I had some stereotypes about inner-city schools. Most of them were blown away by the individuals that I met.
Why, then, if we are able to truly know people so much better seeing them as a single, do we continue to sort? I know that when I meet people I sort them into all kinds of categories based on their activities, gender, intelligence, and political views. Is this right, probably not. Why do I do it? If you sort people, Why do you do it?
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