Assumptions lead to more prejudice

Have you ever looked at someone walking down the street and instantly think you know the type of person they are? Privileged? Poor? Religious? In a gang? Immigrant? How can we know anything just by staring at someone?I've had plenty of early Starbucks runs with my hair thrown into a messy tied together concoction, left over make up from the day before, clothes that don't match because I didn't care enough to try... People could easily look at me and come up with dozens of assumptions rather than realize I was up all night with kids and just need a cup of coffee. What do you think when you see an Indian woman dressed in a sari? Do you smile and say hi as you pass her or do you instantly assume she doesn't speak English and try not to make eye contact? When you see a black man wearing baggy pants and a bandana... Do you shy away thinking they might be in a gang instead of the fact they have a different style than you? When you see a white woman with a bible... Do you immediately think they're going to harass you over religion instead of the fact that they could be a great person to grab a coffee with?When you see a parent with a tantruming child... do you think they're bad parents rather than the fact that they could be a great parent with a tired kid? As a society, we are so quick to make up assumptions rather than getting to know people. Maybe you can't relate to this post and you're a way better person than I am which is great! I know I have been judgmental when I've seen screaming kids in stores. Then reality hit and my own kids have had many of those moments! It's embarrassing and the last thing you need is people giving you dirty looks, condemning you as a parent. If you let your assumptions prevent you from befriending others, you not only miss out on a potentially great friend, but you feed into the ignorance of our society. Ignorance leads to prejudice. It makes me sad thinking that some people make up their minds about my interracial marriage before they even meet Joel and I or my half Indian and half American children. Help me fight against assumptions, against ignorance. Stop yourself before you make an assumption of someone you see in a grocery store. Smile and say hi. Make conversation. Learn something.  The next time you see a parent with a screaming child, remember you don't know the situation. Instead of judging the parent, pray for them!Don't feed into ignorance. Make a change.