Othering

 Children seem to accept others in all their differences.  But then comes indoctrination, culture in which they live.  Differences are taught such that people become “others.”  Others are not one of us, due to culture, color, income, class and so on.  I have to check on myself each day and see if I am othering people.  If I see the beggar on the street and say, “There but for the grace of God,” then I am not othering.  This does not always happen though.  “Thank God, I am not one of those people,” is sometimes the first thought or feeling.  We all have gifts, sometimes hidden, often different, but more visible to the humble onlooker.