As found on dictionary.com discrimination is defined as "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit". We usually think of discrimination along with the term prejudice, which is defined as "an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason". (dictionary.com)
When I began learning to ride my own motorcycle, I considered it the realization of a life-long dream; to conquer that machine, to enjoy the thrill of the ride at my own discretion, the wind in my hair, the beauty of the countryside. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe or even consider that there would be people who would look at me differently because of the mode of transportation I chose. Call it naivete on my part, but I did not know there was a pre-conceived notion out there among "mainstream America" that people who ride motorcycles were all bad - prejudice.
I chose a Harley Davidson, simply for the fact that they are built a big roomier for the comfort of my larger frame, and they hold their retail value a bit better than some other brands. I love the look, feel, and freedom of all motorcycles. I even considered buying scooter for awhile, just to take to and from work in order to save gas money, but I ended up buying a full sized Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail.
It wasn't until I started riding my own Harley Davidson that I began seeing a bit of negative judgement from people, including most of it from some of my co-workers. There were comments made to me that didn't make a lot of sense to me, including "you don't see a Vice President riding a Harley". How I had become a "biker" instead of the professional established business woman I had been before was unfathomable. There had been no transformation inside of myself, except the joy and thrill of riding when I could. Many days the only riding I could do was the 10 mile commute to work and home. After all, I had a responsible job and a family to care for and they would always come first, but the ride relaxed me on the way home and invigorated me on the way to work. I was still the same person, contributing to both environments in the same manner as before learning to ride.
Prejudice seems impossible to transform into acceptance, for prejudice involves no knowledge, thought, or reason. Although the world talks "value of diversity", it really does not walk that talk, as evidenced to me in my work environment. It was just a few short years after beginning to ride, that my "position was eliminated" and I found myself unemployed. While I do not believe that my chosen mode of transportation was the only reason for my being let go from my job, I believe it was a contributing piece.
I tell you this story so that you can "check yourself". Look deep inside yourself and see if you have some pre-conceived notions about a type of people. If you are a woman riding a Harley, be aware before you decide to introduce your Harley Davidson into your professional world. Mind you I did not say "don't do it", but be aware that there are people who will judge you not on the person you are, or the contributions you have made or will make, but will consider you a "biker" of lesser value than those who drive something with 4 wheels.
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