Confronting Stereotypes

If you look carefully, you'll see the author of our first entry on chapter 5 tucked in here with all these cute children -- it's Jacqueline. She said, "This is a picture that was taken on one of my Missionary trips with my Christian Church. We went to Mexico and built two houses and tried to teach the children who live in poverty about God. I really enjoy traveling with my church and trying to reach people who have lost faith or do not know about God." As you read her entry, you'll see that she's really intrigued by the authors' journey to understand each other and their various religions. Enjoy!

Stereotyping happens all the time, but I never thought about the person’s feelings or thoughts about being stereotyped. I think that is was a good idea for Priscilla, Ranya, and Suzanne to discuss their stereotypes about each others' religions. Although it seemed to cause upset, it made me realize that it is better to talk about it with someone who is from the religion you are stereotyping. This way you are more likely to gain a better understanding of what you are saying about a religion you know nothing about.

I cannot believe that Suzanne wrote her thoughts about Jews in a letter and gave it to Priscilla. It was very brave of her to express her feelings towards Jews. I thought of my own religion and how I have been stereotyped by some of my family members as well as some of my friends in elementary school.

Growing up I was raised Catholic by my mother’s side of the family. It was a very strict upbringing for my brother and me. Every Sunday we went to church and it was boring. I remember that nothing the priest said made any sense and he seemed to just be reading the bible. I did what all Catholics do: get baptized, make your first communion, then your confirmation. I honestly never fit in with my religion; once I was in high school I switched my religion to Christian. I finally found where I could believe in something I felt was right for myself, and I understood my Preacher a lot better than I ever did a Priest.

I think people should be aware what they say or even think about others. I felt like Ranya and Priscilla were very aware that their religions are in the minority. I grew up with mostly Catholics and when I switched religions, I felt like I no longer belonged. I had to explain to my family that I always felt like I was in the wrong religion. They eventually accepted it, but there are still times when my siblings make a joke or stereotype Christians in front of me. It is hurtful, but it makes me realize that I am proud of my religion and I know in my heart that I am where I belong. I tell people who question or make fun of my religion that I am in the right religion that fits me, just as they are in one that fits them.

One day I hope to become a Marriage Family Therapist. And I know that I am going to encounter children who come from many different religions and cultures. I think reading this book has opened my eyes to the fact that I live in a country with a variety of religions. I know that I need to learn more about other people’s religions because one day I am going to have to help someone who is not from the same religion as me. It would be amazing if this country would accept all religions and not stereotype them as we still do. I cannot imagine what children go through in elementary schools when they are from a religion that is in the minority.