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Prejudice & Pride Part II
Page 1 Mark Sichel: My concern about all the discussion regarding racism as a mental illness is that it beclouds a very central issue. Racism, bigotry, stereotyping and prejudice are simply and plainly BAD -- people are hurt, killed and everyone loses in a racist society. Whether or not we believe racism is a mental illness, ridding ourselves of prejudice makes each of us stronge and healthier, both psychologically, spiritually and as a society. Thank you all for listening And now I'm eager to hear your commentary and questions. Question: If John Rocker asked you for advice what would you tell him? Mark Sichel: Great question! I doubt he'd come to a Jewish New York Psychotherapist who's a Yankee fan and has liberal politics, LOL, but I'd tell him to start working on himself by completing the Psybersquare Self-Esteem Workshop. The next thing I'd tell him to do is go to the Psybersquare Graveyard and bury all the bad feelings about himself which occupy his mind. Question: I grew up being taught to be very prejudiced. I try to stop these racist thoughts, but sometimes they just pop into my head. Do you think it's a sign of an emotional problem? Mark Sichel: I think it may be a sign of over-attachment to your family of origin. I believe you might find it helpful to read: The Ties that Bind, the Ties that Strangle, which would explain a great deal about the process of independence and autonomy. I think you'd feel better about yourself by learning how you're carrying your family's dysfunction with you and how you CAN overcome this aspect of your childhood. Question: I consider myself to be without prejudice and racism, yet in some situations I find myself blowing up and coming out with racist remarks out of nowhere. For example, when I'm driving and another driver of a different race cuts me off, I'll yell out a nasty racial remark. How can I control this? Mark Sichel: I'll answer this briefly as we're running out of time. Old habits die hard, but a great tool for getting a handle on behaviors you don't like about yourself is to learn your Hot Spots. These are people and situations which easily set you off in inappropriate ways. I'd suggest you try an interactive exercise on the site which can give you a print out of your personal Hot Spots. PSYCoach Winner: I'm afraid we're out of time now. I'd like to thank all of you for being here and being such a great, lively and interactive audience. We look forward to seeing you all soon! Good night.  
RECOMMENDED READING FROM THE PSYSTORE:   I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla: Raising Healthy Black and Biracial Children in a Race-Conscious World
by Marguerite A. Wright Our Price: $17.60 "This guide for parents and teachers of black children offers clear, compelling, well-grounded advice on self-esteem, shatters common myths about race, and reveals practical ways adults can instill children with positive racial identities." -- Synopsis For a selection of books on this topic, visit the Psystore.
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