Racism, Prejudice, how it affects us all

In my white bread little world, I haven't come across the types of prejudice that people in big cities take for granted and live with every day. I originated in a small town in Northern Idaho, and learned of a different type of prejudice, not regarding race, but gender.
At the time a small pat on the head by the person in authority, telling me not to worry my pretty little head over the problem, seemed a compliment. It was later that I realized that I wanted to be heard and taken seriously.
I could see that the person in charge would be a man, and he may not necessarily be correct, but the judgment would stand regardless, because he was “the Man” Life starts to count when you wish to be heard, and you want your ideas to come across, but you have to work harder at getting an idea across because of color, creed, or gender. In a personal way it pisses me off.
I never liked injustice of any kind; I like the truth to be told. I think there are times when people get what they deserve. There are times when life isn’t fair. Prejudice is unfair, it generates hostility. We all want what we believe to be justly ours; a fair chance, a good shake, acceptance.
Often time we don’t give a damn if someone else is suffering from unfairness, only that we get what we believe is our fair share.
Prejudice has been a problem since the beginning of time. Cain and Abel were the first brothers.
Cain blamed his brother Abel for his problems, and murdered him.
**Then the Lord asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"
Cain answered, "I don't know: Am I my brother's keeper?"
God said, "What have you done? I hear the voice of your brother's blood crying to me from the ground. Now you will be cursed on the earth soaked with your brother's blood which was drawn by your own hand."**
Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.
So it has been that way since. We like to blame others for our dislikes and wrongs.

I think Prejudice has several possible causes.
(1) Jealousy
(2) Fear
(3) Lack of understanding
(4) Blame

When discussed further it comes down to a mistaken belief that one race, gender or religion is better then another. Where did this come from? People get angry enough to kill over these beliefs. We are all special…just like everyone else.
Some of our problem generates from the scripts we carry from birth. We are taught proper etiquette and what is polite to say. However we do not readily know if these scripts carry over to different types of people then we are used to dealing with. We are not sure, this can lead to suspicion and distrust.
A script helps us fit in; we do what is expected of us in order to go unnoticed.
If you ever listen to different cultures tell jokes, you will note that what one country finds uproariously funny, another will stare blankly and wonder what the punch line is.
This might be where prejudice comes from.
Whatever the cause of prejudice it is necessary to make it our own problem. We need to judge sources for our safety. We will always be wary of new things as human beings, this is necessary for survival. However let it not be because of a person’s color or beliefs, but how they carry themselves and if they are a good person