Have you noticed how those who most fiercely protest they’re not racist tend to be the very people who display the most prejudicial views?

They often bolster their naturally defensive position by proclaiming: “Some of my best friends are…”.

I reckon a much a better, and more honest, approach is to accept we are all different, that we all recognise the differences between us and there is, therefore, an element of discrimination within all of us.

I found myself questioning my own views just a couple of days ago. I was cutting a hedge on the roadside and had all my power tools out on the pavement.

I do my best not put temptation in the way of some filthy ‘tea leaf’ and keep an eye on stuff but on this occasion left everything where it was while I went to fetch the brown bin.

Walking back up the drive I spotted a couple of two-wheeled pony traps slowing down as they passed and, as a result, hastened my progress just to make absolutely sure nothing would go walkabout.

As I say, I tend to be careful and err of the side of mistrusting everyone, but I have to admit spotting this form of transport led me to quicken my pace towards my unattended tools.

“It’s better to admit you might harbour, whether consciously or unconsciously, some level of prejudice…”

My snap decision left me asking myself a question – was my reaction based on sound common sense or, more likely, the fact I associate a particular group of people with that form of transport?

Whether these gig drivers were members of the ethnic groups protected from discrimination by the Race Relations Act, the Equality Act and the Human Rights Act is a moot point but my reaction is less open to question.

In this instance, of course, I didn’t share my thoughts with anyone so, unless I was sharing the details with you now, nobody would be any the wiser – though I’m not sure this makes my behaviour any more forgivable?

I think, on balance, it’s better to admit you might harbour, whether consciously or unconsciously, some level of prejudice and, as a result, you are able to review your thoughts and behaviour.

If you don’t accept the possibility you could occasionally be guilty of some level of intolerance towards other people the danger is you never challenge your views and miss the opportunity to improve your behaviour in future.