Reducing Prejudice

After taking a couple of the tests presented in the website, I found out that I have some prejudice is few topics. However, I am not in total approval because I believe that people vary in different circumstances. Because of individual culture and personal differences, we tend to have diverse views, ideas, concepts, understanding and beliefs on things, people, circumstances and the like. By having such identities, the tendency to view things as “better than the others” is not far at hand. As implied, unconsciously or subconsciously, we have firm and standardized interpretations of things around us. Thus, we are creating a feeling of prejudice at the back of our minds.

Prejudice could be defined as a negative inter-group attitude which is bad, unjustified, or irrational in some way or other (Duckitt, 1994). There are some emotional and psychological effects of prejudice. According to researches, it affects behavior (Duckitt, 1994). For instance, taking it in various settings; prejudice affects the self-esteem and self-concept of a person. In the workplace, people who are disabled are not viewed as equal to people who are “physically normal”. However, in order to bridge the hesitantly tackled gap, the state and authorities provide policies and laws governing equality among parties affected. The presence of equal opportunity to everyone served as the answer.

With much efforts exerted in dealing with prejudice, there is a need to further reinforce all types of programs, international policies, and laws dealing with its concept as well as racial, gender and other types of discrimination. The understanding of the personal, cultural, and societal characteristics of every person is the most practical and simplest way to reduce prejudice. The thought that everyone is exceptional is not only the sole solution to reduce prejudice but it also serve as a moderator in the increasing sharing of worldwide culture. During these contemporary times, the world is a melting pot of every human identity. The advent of globalization affects every segment of belief, practices, and lives of people. Acceptance will eventually open great opportunities for development.

In conclusion, I believe that everyone is entitled to express his/her views in a particular topic especially if that person lives in a democratic society. However, the freedom to air all opinions are still limited because of the gargantuan responsibility a person holds in connection to his/her words, thoughts and actions towards others and the self. All people are responsible of their actions. This means that we can freely express ourselves, do whatever we want, and live the way we dream but not to the expense of other people. This is the reason why leaders, laws, and policies are present in our society today. It is to take extra care to the welfare of everybody. Besides, everyone holds the right to live. But then again, responsibility is a main point to consider.

Reference

Duckitt, J. (1994). The Social Psychology of Prejudice. Westport, CT.: Praeger. 9.