EMMANUEL A TURUKA
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Prejudice is a major problem in human relations. Almost anything
in social and personal life which we now deplore was somewhere, and at some
time, acceptable. Times and things are changing.
Prejudice means "pre-judging" something. In general, it
implies coming to a judgment on the subject based on false beliefs or before
knowing where the preponderance of the evidence actually lies. Prejudice may
involve discriminatory attitudes of individuals toward people or things or
impairment of the rights of a party in a legal dispute.
The
article emphasizes on the critical role of counselors, educators, and parents
must play in the fight against prejudice and racism. Different models have been
explained as a bridge that can be used by parents, teachers, and counselors in
working to reduce prejudice across the lifespan. The article reviews an
extensive body of empirical research on the link between identity development,
prejudice, and mental health.
A
prejudice which is a part and parcel of racism poisons the atmosphere of trust
we need in order to live in peace and harmony. In this article whites because
of their privileged status in society have not been led or forced to examine
their own roles in race relations in this country. In contrast, a greater
acceptance of our social diversity contributes to social harmony and economic
well-being.
The analysis which we learn
through the article is that people are not born with prejudice. You can tell by
watching a group of young children at play. As they grow older as indicated in
the article between 4-5 years, children come to realize that discrimination
exists in their families, schools, communities, and almost every sector of
their lives. Many conform to the discriminating patterns of their groups, not
because they themselves are prejudiced but because it is easier to discriminate
than to resist the groups’ demands for conformity. The article insisted that white children do
not feel hostile, fearful, or superior to blacks, but they may experience some
discomfort in interracial situation.
How can we solve this problem the society needs knowledge, to see
things from the smallest detail to the broader perspective? Certainly we don't
like the idea of being judged ourselves
according to some stereotype of a group that we may belong to. It is then easy
to say that people should always be judged as individuals and never as members
of a group. Walk a mile in another person’s
shoes.
Therefore
Prejudice and racism continue to be pervasive in United States society, what is
needed is critical thinking to be able to take stand and present a position
that is supported by the evidence
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