I took a couple of weeks off from writing. If you read my other newsletter, you know why. I'm back now and have a story to share about a blind spot that happened to me on a recent adventure to the California desert.
Hey, Martin. Loved your piece, as always. I may be splitting hairs, but I draw a distinction between prejudice (a negative) and reputable assumptions based on experience (I hope neutral). Besides assuming the Spanish-speaking man owned the old truck, you also made a reasonable assumption that he has experienced unwarranted hassles from the authorities. Certainly, the second one carries no negative connotation on your part. Most importantly, you treated the man with as much respect and kindness as you would have the white men. I would consider myself prejudiced if I assume a Muslim is a terrorist. I would consider my not offering her a ham omelette a “neutral” rebuttable assumption. Your acknowledgement of your concerns about prejudice do not surprise me; you are a kind and reflective individual. But also be kind to yourself.
Hey, Martin. Loved your piece, as always. I may be splitting hairs, but I draw a distinction between prejudice (a negative) and reputable assumptions based on experience (I hope neutral). Besides assuming the Spanish-speaking man owned the old truck, you also made a reasonable assumption that he has experienced unwarranted hassles from the authorities. Certainly, the second one carries no negative connotation on your part. Most importantly, you treated the man with as much respect and kindness as you would have the white men. I would consider myself prejudiced if I assume a Muslim is a terrorist. I would consider my not offering her a ham omelette a “neutral” rebuttable assumption. Your acknowledgement of your concerns about prejudice do not surprise me; you are a kind and reflective individual. But also be kind to yourself.