him, right? So if you are mugged twice by one race, how do you avoid having a reaction when you see someone of the same race? Not exactly racism, because the body (or mind) reacts automatically. I live close to many and play a sport with some, but that doesn't prevent me from a fear reaction when I find myself on an elevator with someone of that race. You might say that, unconsciously, my inner mind has stereotyped that race, but how do you cure that condition of your mind? You can't just talk your subconscious into changing, when you react automatically.
2007-10-21 02:08:35 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I am married 19 years now to someone of another race, we have 4 children age 12 Thur 20, (yes we obviously dated before marriage ) .
I have had many bad encounters with his race of people , some of which were very traumatic and physically hurtful to me.
You do not seem racist in what you've said.
Life and experience have taught you caution in certain circumstances. Things happen for a reason , believe in your instincts (they are lessons learned ) .
Do not ignore or question yourself , if there is a next time it may be more than a wallet that's taken.
I pray you can except yourself for who you are and continue your life being non-racist.
2007-10-21 02:59:40 · answer #1 · answered by TN 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If these muggings have left you with lingering fears and concerns it might be worth talking to someone about that, just a thought but it could help. Otherwise, I don't know. The only thing I can think of is when you do react like this just to keep reminding yourself that you know people of this race who have not mugged you or hurt you in any way. Think about the amount of people of this race you walk past every day without any of them trying to do anything to you. This will hopefully help you put things into perspective and lessen this problem for you. I guess it is kinda like retraining your brain not to react this way, a slow and gradual process but if you keep at it eventually it should work. Same as if someone had a squirrel jump on their head whilst walking under a tree they might be nervous of walking under trees in case the same thing happened again. However each time they walk under a tree without it happening their fear is lessened til eventually it goes completely. Does that make sense?
These are my thoughts anyway, hope they are of some help.
2007-10-21 02:25:02 · answer #2 · answered by Sian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is really interesting. It is hard to tell yourself to feel another way. I guess no matter what anyone says to you it may not help. I find that it's actually not the "race" you should fear, there is crime in every race! You could fear the 80 year woman at the grocery store, because you never know. I think you need to go out and find someone of that race that may be able to change your mind. Go out and talk to someone who makes you nervous. See what you find out... It's hard to not fear being robbed again and it doesn't help to walk by a group of people that look a certain way and not think they're going to rob you. It's not the race that makes people like that, it's their lifestyles.
2007-10-21 02:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by Sodie! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should try to truly get to know some of the people of this race whom you live close to and play sports with. Befriend them and reteach your subconscience how to react towards this particular group of people.
Sarah
2007-10-21 02:19:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess you can try to make friends with somebody of that race.
When ever you feel that reaction coming on, just remind yourself that it's irrational and you'll eventually get over it.
2007-10-21 03:43:26 · answer #5 · answered by majnun99 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋