Are We All Bigots?

Technorati Profile

There is an interesting game show that started this summer called "Without Prejudice." The host is a Clinical Psychologist who works with CNN from time to time.

Each game has 5 contestants who don't do anything. They are sequestered in a soundproof room backstage. On stage are 5 people from various walks of life who have the job of determining which of the 5 contestants "deserves" to be awarded $25,000. After each elimination the panelists see a brief clip of each of the contestants talking about their life. And with each new piece of information they receive they have to decide who should be voted off next, until they are left with one person - the winner.

Although the name of the show is Without Prejudice, it is glaringly obvious that all of the panelists are overflowing with judgments, fallacious assumptions and religious, moral or other prejudices. Few admit to their own bigoted or prejudicial feelings, but the truth is that participating in such a forum would not be possible without personal judgments. This begs the question, Are we hypocrites when we say we are non-judgmental or tolerant of others' lifestyles?

I found the show to be an incredible study into the microcosm of humanity and how all of us are judgmental and biased from time to time, without merit or vindication.

I think this show helps the viewer think about their personal biases. It may even help people to get real about how they form their own "first impressions."

Leave a Legacy of Love - Grandparenting

Few things in life are sweeter than spending time with grandchildren. Sure, like any children, they can wear you out, defy your sensibilities and create a mess in the living room faster than the speed of sound. But over all, grandchildren are the frosting on the cake and the twinkle in their grandparent's eye.

Having children was a wonderful experience for me. Now 50, I wish I could go back and change a few things here and there, but for the most part, I love being a mother. Now that my kids are grown however, there is a part of me that still yearns for that wonderful feeling of a child putting their arms around my neck and letting me know that I am loved. My granddaughter fills that yearning need for me. And for some unexplainable reason, I seem to be able to cherish it so much more now than I did when I was a young mother.

Perhaps it is part of getting on in years that make you appreciate each golden moment you have with them. Or maybe it is knowing that loving them is your only real responsibility. As a parent you have so many other things that enter the mix like constantly thinking about how your parenting skills are going to affect them in the long run, or having to carry on with life's other chores while attending to your child's physical, spiritual, mental and social needs. Parenting can be overwhelming.

But Grand-parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. My granddaughter is still young, but I imagine that eventually I will be able to impart my years of experience and acquired wisdom with her when she gets her heart broken for the first time or when she is last to be picked for volleyball. I imagine that she and I will develop a bond based on unconditional love and sharing that isn't encumbered by the moments of frustrations that can come with actually living with family members.

It's funny to think about life as a grandparent. As a parent I was still young enough to feel immortal. Now I think about my health and work at taking care of myself because I want to be around to participate in my grand-children's lives for as long as possible.

My mom has been blessed with many great-grandchildren. Family, what a concept.