After the initial shock wore off, I was so angry that I just stormed out of the store. Two things have occurred as a result of this incident. First, whenever I make a trip to the Capitola Mall, there is this feeling of anger and frustration that surfaces because I never know what to expect. Second, since I don't know what to expect, and since my dollars are accepted everywhere, my shopping takes place over the hill. The hurt and damage doesn't stop with biases, because biases support stereotypes.
Stereotypes can also offer some individuals security and safety.
Stereotypes can help to satisfy the need to feel superior over individuals or groups of people and help to confirm first impressions. The security person, through his cultural programming, including his personal biases and his professional training, decided that I looked like a shoplifter. His decision to follow me instead of an Euro-American might have reinforced his feeling of superiority because he had the power to follow me or others like me. Biases, stereotypes and prejudices are learned. As we move into the new year, four years short of the 21st century, I would like for all of us to look at our personal biases.