Roger Meyer

An “ism” is a philosophy, social or political ideology, movement, or religion. The list of philosophies and religions is exhaustive, leaving the distinct impression that mankind is utterly dazed and confused about what life's purpose is, which choices and actions are right and which are wrong, and whether there is a God. What is your “ism?” Whose “ism” is the correct one?

These three words—prejudice, partiality, and partisanship—are related terms that describe a biased and negative mindset and approach towards another person. The usual result is intolerance of and hostility towards that person.

In this context, prejudice is a strong dislike of someone solely based on preconceived notions or assumptions about race, ethnicity, age, sex, religion, or other categories. It can also be a strong preference, favoritism, or showing partiality for someone. Partisanship is one-sided sectarianism or factionalism.

I purchased my first personal computer (PC) in the early 1980s. It’s hard to believe that was almost forty years ago. I soon learned, and have jokingly declared, that a computer enables us to make mistakes and spread misinformation faster than humanly possible!

The 1980s comprised the explosive decade of the PC. In some ways, this was a great milestone event in the “Information Age,” which is said to have begun around 1975. For me, personally, it began with the advent of the personal computer.