It is the time of the signs that make no sense and of labels that beggar belief. A packet of Turkish delight sports the announcement: “60% less fat – and always has been”. A packet of biscuits proudly announces: “Still using our original 1897 recipe – now new and improved”.
“Whether you think you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.” (Henry Ford)
There are very few people who truly believe they can do anything they set their minds to. Such people are so rare that they become the subject of news items, even whole TV series. They are sometimes labelled ‘heroes’ or ‘freaks’. We are thrilled by their achievements and delight in their failures. The thrill comes from our wishing we could do extraordinary things and the delight comes from wishing we could do extraordinary things.
“Do you, Dragon, take Donkey to be you lawfully wedded husband?” Children who watch films like Shrek or read fairy-tales or have them read to them are used to ‘odd’ pairings of people, animals and mythical creatures. And they accept the hybrid progeny that result.
No matter how much a person believes s/he lacks prejudice, there are very few people who would not, from time to time, find themselves surprised that a person they see or hear is able to do something unexpected. Expecting that someone will or will not do something is a form of prejudice – a prejudging of a situation. It may be the most benign form of prejudice, yet prejudice it is.