Connect 10: Do I have hidden prejudices?

My topic is prejudice, and one of the causes of prejudice is stereotyping. Even though I am anti-prejudice, I have stereotyped people before. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a muslim girl wearing the hijab. I honestly became afraid because Muslims are stereotyped as being bombers, killers, etc. I am normally ok when I see them, but I guess I was more afraid because this time I could only see her eyes. I became so nervous that I moved to the other side of the sidewalk. I felt really bad for doing that, because I thought that maybe I am prejudice against Muslims. I would like to think I am not, but there may be a little bit in me. All in all, I think I am just skeptical because their track records have not been too good. I know not all Muslims are killers, but that is all that is portrayed in the media which has caused me to be somewhat afraid of them. I am still against prejudice, but I do think there is a difference between being prejudice and skeptical.

Discussion

I think we should discuss how we feel about racism. Is it something everybody has ever dealt with. If you have, how did it make you feel. If not, why do you think it is still so prevalent in a world that claims to moving forward? Is racism still an issue in the United States or are we making progression? Will racism ever really be gone or will it linger on forever?