The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The most significant memory of an incident of bias, prejudice and oppression are carefully illustrated in the film “Ruby Bridges.” This film is about the life of Ruby Nell Bridges Hall, born September 8, 1954. She was one of the first black children who became a part of the integration movement in an all –white elementary school in the South during the 1960’s.  While this was an extremely dangerous, oppressive era in history for people of color, it was also a time that marked the changes that was coming to the United States education system. It was clear from the film that segregation was rife and the dominant race had a hard time accepting the challenges to bias and prejudices they had for people who were different. Ruby was not only the target of bias and oppression in the film; but she was also the target of microaggressions and inequity.

The biases, /prejudices and oppression she faced came in the form of insults, threats and violence. Tomatoes were hurled at her. She was spat at and with threats to “poison” and “hang her until she choked to death,” Ruby went on to become an icon of strength, and a part of the history that changed things for the blacks not only in New Orleans but in America. Inequity for Ruby came in the form of her not being taught with the other students at first. Mrs. Henry, her teacher, made a great deal of improvisation for her so that she could really get an education at the first grade.

Each time that I watch this film, I experience mixed feelings/emotions. Like the mother, Lucille Bridges, although there were feelings of sadness, I cheered her on when she became bold and resilient that Ruby would continue to go to school.

Personally, I believe that the onus for change falls upon the principal, teachers, parents and the entire education system in order to usher in an opportunity for greater equity for all. The facts disseminated from this film and real life story of Ruby Bridges are powerful. I am actually able to appreciate and value even more the spiritual background I received from my parents. I am able also to appreciate the vital role that teachers have to play in the lives of children to teach them about prejudices. Finally, I realize too that to cultivate true equity and opportunity, the change must begin with each individual self-reflecting and weeding out his or her biases, prejudices and tendencies to oppress.

Please view the following links for further enjoyment:

Ruby Bridges the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09faLq3wT8c

Ruby Bridges the website: http://rubybridges.com/story.html