Shattering Biases : How Books Challenged My Prejudices

By- Shruti Gupta

Second year , Sociology hons

"Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'" - Helen Exley

It was the time of alteration in the rhythms of our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was in isolation, enjoying an unexpected gift of time and solitude. I found pages of books as a remarkable refuge for myself. Although It wasn't that 24/7 nerd like behavior, When I started reading books they were merely words printed on pages, I was unaware of the fact that with time this simple act of starting to read books during lockdown can transform my perspective, nourish my soul, and provide a much-needed escape from the uncertainties of the world outside.

With increasing understanding of words, gradually indulging myself more widely and critically while reading, I found that In a world where self made prejudices, stereotypes and biases often cloud our judgment, the power of literature works like a catalyst for enlightenment and transformation. Coming across various writers and their perspectives I found my preconceived notions to be challenged every now and then that dismantle the biases that silently influence my thoughts and actions. However it wasn't always comfortable to confront these biases but then I found it was necessary for personal growth. For instance I held a set of preconceived notions based on my immediate surroundings and the learning I had so far about Southern Indian society and their structures before I came across Roy's novel " the god of small things" and it became one among others that shattered the bias I held a week before however the Lyrical prose of the novel captivated me.

In this journey with books that have started merely three to four years back, after completion of any book, shattering of my self made prejudices was common. Delving into the stories and narratives has broadened my perspective and redefined my understanding of the world. I must say literature can have a profound impact on breaking down the walls of prejudice, fostering empathy, tolerance, and acceptance, transcending the boundaries of our own biases to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.

This journey of shattering biases through books is ongoing, as there's always more to learn and unlearn.

This was my experience with black and white combinations.

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What changes do you think have encountered you while reading with the passing of time ?