The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

       I remember an incident when I was in junior high and we were picking teams for a game of volleyball during our physical education class. The captains took turns picking their teams and there were people that were picked last. Usually the girls and players that were not as athletic as others were picked last. I remember one girl in particular being picked towards the end. I guess to the captains she did not appear to be athletic. As each player was called you could tell her feelings were being hurt more and more. I felt bad for her. I knew they were implying she was not a good player, because she was a girl. You could tell they did not want her on their team. On one level I think the captains would need to change how they picked teams in order for it to be fair. I think picking teams always ends up hurting someone’s feelings and creates opportunities for prejudice, biases, and/or oppression to occur. I think the best way to prevent prejudice, biases, and oppression from occurring in situations like this is for the coach to divide the teams. I think this can be done prior to the students getting to class and that way it will seem more random and students are not standing in front of each other seeing other players chosen before them. I was never athletic and so I could relate to this girl. I did not care that I was picked last, because I knew I was not very good. For some people this was very hurtful and could cause oppression for them.

         I also think situations like this are going to take place, but can be dealt with in a better way. I think this would be a great opportunity for the coach to address how everyone has different talents and skills. Some players might be better at volleyball, while other students are better at something else. Our coaches/teacher did try to include a variety of activities that would provide students with opportunities to learn what activities they were better at and enjoyed more.