"I think we have to own the fears that we have of each other, and then, in some practical way, some daily way, figure out how to see people differently than the way we were brought up to"

Alice Walker’s words challenge us to confront the inherited fears and biases that shape our perceptions of one another. She points to the necessity of acknowledging the apprehensions, conscious or unconscious, that exist between people due to differences in background, upbringing, or identity. These fears might have been instilled by family, culture, or society and often go unexamined, quietly influencing our interactions and judgments.

Owning these fears is more than mere awareness; it involves honestly admitting to ourselves how we’ve been conditioned to see others, especially those who are different from us. Such ownership requires humility and introspection. It means resisting the urge to deny or rationalize prejudiced thoughts, and instead taking responsibility for them, understanding their origins, and recognizing how they affect our behavior.

Yet, Walker pushes further by advocating for action beyond internal reflection. It is not enough to simply identify our biases; we must find concrete, everyday ways to change how we perceive and relate to people. This transformation isn’t reserved for rare, grand gestures, but should be woven into the fabric of daily life, choosing kindness when it is unexpected, being curious rather than judgmental, questioning stereotypes, and actively seeking to understand those whose experiences diverge from our own. Through deliberate, repeated small acts, listening to someone’s story, sharing a meal, standing against exclusionary remarks, our ingrained patterns begin to shift.

The quote highlights that overcoming deeply embedded fears is neither quick nor passive. It is a continual process shaped by practical choices made each day. By accepting responsibility for our inherited preconceptions and making conscious efforts to move beyond them, we open ourselves, individually and collectively, to richer, more authentic human connections. Ultimately, Walker calls us to embrace growth, empathy, and a willingness to see with new eyes, forging a path toward a more understanding and inclusive society.