Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Treat people as individuals

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A recent letter to the editor raised an important issue and deep concern for all of us in this community—how can we learn to respect, value and treat each person individually and not view them as part of a group? How can we learn not to say—"All women are ... ," "All kids are ... ," "All Hispanics are ..."?

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When a person makes an important contribution to our community or performs a heroic act, we praise that person. But when someone commits a crime or causes a disturbance, why are we so quick to blame a whole group or culture rather than placing responsibility where it belongs—with the sole person whose conduct is being cited?

When we generalize, we are not true to the facts or to the good people swept up in the class. We then become blinded with unfounded fear and animosity. This is a small community of caring, generous people. It will only remain that way if we can look at each person as an individual, make an effort to know that person and refrain from categorizations and generalizations.

Joyce Friedman

Norman Friedman

Lesley Andrus

Ketchum