Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I remember the first time that I watched the movie Roots. It brought about such a passion of disbelief and uncomforting emotions overwhelmed me. How my ancestors were treated as.... basically nothing. Tossed around like sheets of paper, sold off in markets as if they were horses or cattle, and forced to be held in oppression and bondage. To she how children were separated from their parents, babies died due to improper nutrition, how they were shackled and chained together to lay in their own vomit, and many died on the excursion to America. Women were raped by their masters and forced to have their children. It was just an overwhelming experience. All my life we had learned about slavery in history class. But what they don't tell you is that they are giving you the edited version. What was depicted in that film was nothing like anything I have ever read in my American History.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

There was no feeling of equity at all. It was diminished completely. It was like they only could do what was told of them. No options, no questions, no negotiations, just rules and regulations. If you did not do what you were told either you were beat, tortured, sold off, or killed. Point blank. That made me feel a couple of ways. I was sad, mad, disgusted, even a bit bitter. To think that anyone, not just African Americans, would have to endure such treatment is a disgrace to mankind.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

WE as a people have to change in order for incidents like this not to occur and for equity to be felt and present among all races. WE have to stand up and not ignore the microagressions of the world or just think that races are holding grudges for what they endured in the past. WE have to acknowledge the wrong, the hurt, the emotions that follow individuals and work TOGETHER to create a new atmosphere that shows more togetherness.