Unit 6

Samantha,

I have to agree that prejudice and harmful behavior can occur in surprising places and situations. People may dislike the idea of prejudice, but still act and think in biased ways. This is because many prejudicial thoughts about what it is to be part of the ‘norm’ or different from the ‘norm’ are being taught early in life. Prejudice progress in many ways, the simple stereotypes we learn as children, the behavior and examples set by families, friends and society in general also shapes many unconscious prejudices. The mainstream media of film, television, print and radio also serve to reinforce prejudices already existing in the society.

Prejudice means taking one piece of a person’s character or appearance and using it to

represent the whole of that person, usually to their disadvantage. People who attribute a

whole range of qualities to somebody on the basis of their color, gender, appearance and

cultures are engaging in prejudice.

People are not born prejudiced: many prejudices are formed against groups with which a person has never had any contact. They acquire prejudiced views by observing and listening to others, particularly one's parents and other elders. Ethnic influences such as movies and television may also create or be responsible for stereotypes.

n movies I seen that displayed prejudice, the persons fitting this profile are typically raised by strict, emotionally distant parents who exact firm adherence to rules and commands. Obedience is ensured through both verbal and physical punishment, and independent thought and action are discouraged.