I’m a nice person.  I care about other people.  I put myself in their place and see what’s there.

But there’s something bigger than a human being going on here …

I have a problem in the everyday world, and I don’t have the knowledge to solve it.  So I approached an organization that can help.  I made an appointment.  I showed up.

I was greeted by a young woman wearing a hijab, and invited into her office.

I don’t care that she’s Muslim and from a culture different than mine.  I expect to have a pleasant conversation that will lead to a solution.

However …

Thoughts began seeping in that seemed very old, from even before my birth:

She will be passive, not active

She will be submissive, not assertive

She will not have a sharp focus on my problem

Huh?

Where is this coming from?

I don’t do stereotypes!

And yet … here I am doing stereotypes

***

I’ll call my coach “Malika”.  She was active, assertive and focused.  She listened, analyzed and created a plan.  I’ll be sending her more information.  She’ll create a letter which will become a registered letter – one that the recipient has to sign for.  The powers-that-be will have to engage in problem-solving.

Thank you, Malika.  I will keep my eyes open in your presence.  I will see you.

Do I feel guilty about the intruding thoughts?  >  No

Will I stay alert to the seductive impact of my culture’s history?  >  Yes