putting not-so-blatant disregard under a metaphorical microscope

There is something dangerous about an internal disregard for other people. I think lots of people harbor very overt but severely hidden feelings, beliefs, or values that designate certain people as less or other or bad.

Of course, some people wear their "isms" on their sleeves... but what is much more pervasive, tricky, and difficult are those quiet, unspoken thoughts/feelings which are ultimately perceived through microexpressions, actions, tone, or energy. They still convey dislike, distaste, disrespect, etc. - but in a much more subtle and insidious way.

I am increasingly aware of how this type of socially accepted disregard can damage the recipients. To be seen as less in value than another human being, to be written off or ignored or told directly and indirectly you are incapable of achieving, of changing, of being an equal inevitably destroys or at least severely dents the foundations upon which ability and wellbeing exist: self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-concept.

It is so easy sometimes to rationalize disregard and to lower our expectations of others without apology. Easier to give up or shut down or turn away. But perhaps there is some self-fulfillment to our prophecies... and maybe it is important to acknowledge our part in the cycle that plays out so that we may always strive to respond with increasing compassion, respect, and dignity.

What if we saw each person as an equal? Truly equal to us and deserving of respect and compassion based upon the very simple and basic truth of their humanity. Might our secret fears be eliminated? Might our insecurities become irrelevant?

Perhaps it's something to be mindful of - just to see what effect it might have not only upon those around us, but ourselves as well.