Saturday's Six

This week's Saturday Six seems a bit deep and, potentially, controversial, but I'm giving it a try.

1. Considering all possible factors about a person that make us different, like age, appearance, religion, race, origin, sexual preference, etc., with 10 being the most prejudiced and 1 being the least, how do you think you would rate yourself? I'd rate myself a 1 in all areas. I truly don't care about things like age, religion, sexual preference etc. I like to get to know people for who they are as individuals. I will start conversations with just about anybody and form my opinions based on the individual as a whole. I know that sounds like the politically correct answer, but it truly is the case for me.

2. You’re having a problem with a product or service and you call customer service. You are finally connected with someone who has a thick accent that sounds difficult to understand. What is the first thing that goes through your mind? I don't tend to think anything about it as long as I can understand the person, and they can understand me. My goal is to get the issue resolved. I only ask to be connected to a supervisor, or another representative, if the first person cannot resolve my issue. This would apply to anyone I spoke with on the phone, accent or not.

3. A co-worker you like tells you that his or her church is holding an “open house” and is encouraging people of other faiths to visit. You and your co-worker are of different faiths. How likely would you be to attend? It would depend on the individual involved - not the church. In the past, I have accepted invitations to a number of Jewish temples and Baptist churches and had a wonderful, uplifting time. I wouldn't accept the invitation if I didn't enjoy, and respect, the person who issued the invite.

4. Take the quiz: Are you prejudiced?

You Are Not Prejudiced

Not only are you color blind, but you're also ethnicity blind, gender blind, and sexual orientation blind. You don't judge someone until you truly know them. And even then, you're probably reluctant to judge. You try to treat everyone equally. Everyone has a fair chance with you. Good job - there's not a prejudiced bone in your body.

Are You Prejudiced?

5. You lose a big promotion to someone who you considered to be less qualified than you are, despite the fact that you are only going by instinct in making that determination. If your boss later pulls you aside and explains that because of a growing effort to promote diversity, the other person was selected over you. What would your first reaction likely be? I've never even been close to that situation. The key to the question is that I would be operating on instinct, which is not complete information. I hope my first reaction would be to support the person in their new position and give them the benefit of the doubt. I say "I hope" because I've never been anywhere near this type of situation.

6. Your car breaks down in a neighborhood in which everyone is of a different race than you: are you more likely to be uncomfortable? The racial issue wouldn't make me uncomfortable at all. I would probably be uncomfortable if my car broke down if I were alone, or just with my daughter, in any neighborhood or situation. I'd be more concerned about the vulnerability of a woman and child. In fact, I'd probably be uncomfortable with police assistance, as well, considering the impostor issues in my area. I would probably have my cell on and connected to someone I trusted the whole time, no matter where I was. I wouldn't be as concerned if I were with a group of people, or if my husband were there.