Is Intolerance Unintentional?

Recently I attended a presentation entitled, Unintentional Intolerance. It was given by Dr. Steve Robbins, a well know diversity expert. His goal was clear, to show how people are intolerant and they don't even realize it. Dr. Steve Robbins gives these diversity presentations all across the United States and I happened to catch his appearance at Purdue University. Diversity and race are very difficult themes to discuss with an audience, However Dr. Robbins has mastered it. He presents threatening information in a non threatening manner.

I really enjoyed Unintentional Intolerance. Steve Robbins addressed many issues that young minorities face today. We all have various stereotypes that we believe in and often times we don't even realize it. Everyone has their own prejudices, that's natural. However, It is our job to fight against that and to see people for who they really are. It is unfair to prejudge someone before you even get to know them. People should be judged solely on their own actions. It is unrealistic to expect prejudices to b completely erased from society; but that does not mean we should not make an attempt to change things. I took two things from the speech; befriend people who have different viewpoints, and create a path for others to follow.

It is important to know how to communicate with people who are different then you. It is always good to be open-minded to change and new ideas. No one is right all the time. Often times people think their open-minded, but their really not. People should learn how to except others for who they are, regardless of how different they are. This can also be applied to business in many ways. In the work force, everyone encounters people who are different from them. It is good to know how to work efficiently with others.

I really enjoyed Steve Robbins' story. He has found his purpose. I hope to find a career like that someday. A job that I would do regardless of what they pay is. His experiences with his raise when he was younger molded him into what he is today. It is important to learn from his experiences. It is also important for minorities to realize that others create the path for them, and therefore it is their responsibilities to create a path for others.

For more information about Unintentional Intolerance, or Steve Robbins, visit slrobbins.com. This site displays Robbins various ideas and beliefs. It also has contact information to get in contact with Steve Robbins.