sizing up shoes

Here's an exercise to help you see how we stereotype people. It's especially easy to do on buses, or trains, or crowded sidewalks, or anyplace where you can look at people without being rude.

Here's what you do. Look at someone's shoes before you look at their face. Now imagine what the person will look like. What kind of clothes will they be wearing. Are they young or old, man or woman, boy or girl. Now check to see how close you were in your guesses.

Try it in reverse. Can faces tell you what kind of shoes a person is wearing.

If someone says, "Hey, you got a problem?" just take a deep breath and explain to them that you are trying to explore your own stereotyping and preconceived notions. Tell them you are trying to break down mental walls.

That will probably get a "huh!?!" out of them. Then keep on sizing up.
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Song 438: Can't Get Enough
Artist: Bad Company
Album: Bad Company
Year: 1974
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