Stages of Prejudice

Yesterday we discussed the stages of prejudice. There are 5 stages. What are your understanding so far. How do you think understanding the stages helps you to understand the issue of prejudice? Why do you think these things happen? Are there issues of prejudice at our school? What experiences have you had or witnessed?

Prejudice at Waikato Hospital

Last week I was visiting at Waikato Hospital. Whilst I was in the waiting area outside the Delivery Suite, a man came along with two small children and an older boy. I cannot be certain but this family appeared to me to be Somali. The man polietly knocked on the glass resception window and watied for the receptionist to slide it open and address him. He explained that his wife was having a baby and that he was here to see her. The receptionist was very abrupt and cold in her response. Telling him to "sit and wait" before shutting the glass more or less in his face. He than asked if she had had the baby. The receptionist refused to give him that information. The man thanked her and sat down. A few minutes later, a nurse came out of the entrance to the Delivery Suite and said "you can come now" He got up with his children and went through the doors. I then heard her ask "Do you know where you are going?" " No" replied the man "Then listen to me then" said the nurse. She then gave him directions whilst standing in the door, it struck me as odd that she would not take the man to his wife rather she just give directions as if the man was stupid.

I may not have thought a lot about this other than these were tired, grumpy hospital workers. However, a few minutes later, another man came in. He was a well dressed middle aged white man. He also knocked in the window. He was greeted with a kind smile. He explained to the receptionist that his wife had a baby the previous day and that he had taken many photos and had unfortunately left the camera in the recovery room. The receptionist was very sorry to hear that, she was full of concern and in fact two other people in the office offered to help try and find the camera. He was invited to come through an look for the camera, in fact a member of staff very kindly said "I will take you there now".

Is it just me? or is there an obvious difference here? What do you think.