This is What Happens When Our Minds Wander.
In the absence of facts, our minds tend to wander.
So, we make things up, rush to conclusions and slowly begin to believe our assumptions.
But we don’t stop there, we tell our friends about our assumptions, and they tell their siblings. Their siblings share a tweet about it. One of their followers takes a screenshot of that tweet and shares it on their Instagram story or a relevant Reddit channel.
A blogger, with a handful of followers, sees that screenshot in the Reddit channel and writes an in-depth article based on our assumptions. And so, the avalanche continues.
In many ways, this is how conspiracy theories are birthed and spread. But as easily combustible as conspiracy theories can be, stereotypes are sometime
If you really think about it, most stereotypes are mere assumptions and generalizations that we’ve accepted about people. Many of us are guilty of believing these generalizations and acting on them.
We interact with specific people differently and advise our friends and family to do the same. We stay far away from their neighbourhoods and make conscious and unconscious efforts to kick them out of ours.
Yet, we are so shocked when we wake up to the news of some psychopath going on a killing spree to eliminate specific people because of the popular stereotypes and conspiracy theories he’s come to believe.
If you think the stereotypes that you hold to be true are harmless, think again. By buying into these baseless assumptions, you are contributing to the narratives that get people killed. By sharing these stereotypes with others, you’re adding fire to the flame.
So, what can we do? We can replace assumptions with facts. In our conversations, wherever we go, and on whatever digital platform, let’s do our best to share facts only.
We are responsible for seeking out and learning from credible sources and allowing the facts to drain out the noise and lies. When someone around us makes reckless assumptions about people, hold them accountable and encourage them to learn the facts.
So, say no to assumptions and stereotypes. And while you’re at it, Stop Asian Hate.
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