Learning to See Beyond Generalizations: A Lesson in Community and Accountability

In this era of 146 characters and less than a 30-second focus span, it's easy to get caught up in the present, allowing recent experiences to cloud our judgment of the past. We humans tend to remember the issues we face in the near past, often overshadowing exceptional experiences that may have shaped our perceptions differently. But perhaps even more troubling is our inclination to blame entire communities for the mistakes of a few.

It's a common phenomenon – to generalize and stereotype. We've all heard statements like "all Muslims are," "all blacks are," "all Chinese are," or "all people of colour are," "Judiciary is," "Lawyers are," "Politicians are," "Police is." But the truth is, not all individuals within a community are the same. Just as all five fingers on a hand are not equal, people within a community vary in their beliefs, actions, and character.

Recently, I found myself falling victim to this very tendency. I blamed an entire community for something that happened recently, failing to see beyond my narrow perspective. It wasn't until someone pointed out and I was able to sleep on that; I have many people from that community in my close family circle, some of whom I've known for decades, that I realized the error of my ways. How could I pass a general judgment against a community, when I have these gems among them?

Upon reflection, I recognized that this behaviour isn't exclusive to me; it's a common trait among humanity. We often struggle to distinguish between the good and the bad, resorting instead to scapegoating – it's simply easier for us. We assign derogatory labels like "UTHIYA," "PATWARI," "JAMATI," "Mullah," or "corrupt" to entire communities, failing to recognize the diversity within.

The lesson I learned is invaluable: we need to look beyond the surface and acknowledge the diversity within every segment of society. I certainly don't want my company to be associated with companies in my community that engage in tax evasion or money laundering. Similarly, others should not be condemned solely on the conduct of a few.

Though I'd rather not dwell on the incident that prompted this realization, I recognize that everything happens for a reason. It led me to encounter a person who possessed the patience and character to guide me through the issue rather than confront me. It's a reminder that growth often comes from uncomfortable experiences and the willingness to learn from them.

In conclusion, let's strive to break free from the shackles of generalizations and stereotypes then only we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society, one where judgment is replaced with empathy and compassion.