Reflection #10

Reflection paper #10: Write a reflection on your reaction to the several articles in “Understanding Prejudices” and the section on Prejudice in Beliefs, Values and attitudes. Do you understand how prejudice happens?
The articles of discussion explored different types of prejudices. Two of them are intentional and unintentional prejudice. Intentional prejudice can be very harmful to another person, group or organization. This person is capable of more than verbal abuse and may perform harmful and/or physical acts of violence. The article described a characteristic of a person such as this to be one that does not socially connect strongly with any one in particular. I strongly disagree with that perception. I believe they do have strong ties with others that think, believe and behave as themselves. I further believe that this type of person must seek out others with similar views because they are generally driven by fear and they cannot act alone. In other words, they need and thrive on the support of others to carry out their harmful agendas. I do agree with the article’s statement that people with intentional prejudices are in awe of authoritative figures and will most likely follow their program without any reservation. This further substantiates my analysis that these types of people will not approach someone alone but will have to be supported by a group.
Unintentional prejudice is a bit more subdued than intentional prejudice. Unintentional prejudice is learned stereotypes that are imbedded in our subconscious and are evident in our behavior. We learn these different types of prejudices from a young age and they are just incorporated in our way of thinking when coming into contact with other cultures. Oftentimes, people that exhibit unintentional prejudice behavior are oblivious to the fact. This behavior can be changed; however, the person would have to be very committed in their efforts. Two critical aspects of behavior that must change is first, acknowledge that they are prejudice. This is a fact that will be difficult to face. Secondly, they must absolve themselves of all guilt, shame and blame. They must understand that they had no control about these beliefs as they were internalized when they could not critically think for themselves, thereby unable to discard absurd and negative information. I believe that prejudices – chauvinism and oppression are in fact are the same in degree of adversity and harmful effect on other groups of people and are deeply rooted in ignorance and fear of other cultures.