You are on page 1of 2

CHALLENGING PREJUDICE AND BUILDING TOLERANCE

Gordon Allport (1958) asserts that humans have a propensity toward prejudice. This
propensity lies in their normal tendency to form generalizations and categories whose content
represents an oversimplification of their world of experience. Prejudice is the negative feeling or
attitude towards a person or a group even if it lacks basis. Stereotype refers to the negative opinion
about a person or group based on incomplete knowledge. Discrimination refers to negative actions
toward members of a specific social group that may be manifested in avoidance, aversion or even
violence (Franzoi, 1986). Thus, stereotypes, being negative beliefs about a group, can form the basis
for prejudicial feelings, which, in turn, may lead to negative action or to discrimination.
People have become increasingly unkind toward those who differ from them in terms of
skin color and other physical attributes, ethnicity, religion; sex, gender or socio-economic class. We
have made Differences an excuse for prejudice and exclusion. Hence, building tolerance and
respect for diversity becomes an imperative in a world where intolerance for differences has become
a justification for violence.
TYPES OF PREJUDICE
There are various forms of Prejudice:
RACISM the belief that ones own cultural or racial heritage is innately superior to that of others,
hence, the lack of respect or appreciation for those who belong to a Different race.
SEXISM a system of attitudes, actions, and structures that subordinates others on the basis of their
sex where the usual victims are women.
HETEROSEXISM negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men.
CLASSISM distancing from and perceiving the poor as The other (Lott, 1995)
LINGUICISM negative attitudes which members of dominant language groups hold against nondominant groups (Chen-Hayes, Chen & Athar, n.d.)
AGEISM negative attitudes held against the young or the elderly
Looksism - Prejudice against those who do not measure up to set standards of beauty. The usual
victims are the overweight, the undersized, and the dark-skinned (Nario-Glance, 2003)
RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE Prejudice against those who are followers of religions other than ones
own.
EDUCATION FOR TOLERANCE AND RESPECT
One effective way to challenge prejudice is by teaching tolerance. Tolerance is not tolerating what
is unjust but it is respecting, accepting and appreciating the rich diversity of cultures and various
forms of human expression (UNESCO, 1995). Education for tolerance aims to counter influences that
lead to fear, discrimination and exclusive of others. Tolerance recognizes that others have the right
to be who they are.
Why teach tolerance? UNESCO asserts that education is the most effective means of preventing
intolerance.

Intolerance has given rise to violence, terrorism and discrimination within societies. A lack of respect
for differences, among other factors, has given rise to conflicts between and among groups.
Teaching for tolerance will aid in protecting human rights and in saving lives.
B. Harro (1982) asserts that humans are born with stereotypes and prejudices already in
place in society. These stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes are sometimes reinforced in the family
and in the institutions where humans are socialized.
PREPARED BY: Mapandi, Tahani M.

You might also like