Prejudice
We develop our attitudes based on our environments. Our role models, schools, peer groups, media, all are deeply influential in helping us define who our in-group is and who is in the out-group. Prejudice is the feelings and attitudes toward out-group members, be they positive or negative. Intercultural prejudice is antagonistic hostility toward a group or toward an individual due to his or her group membership. It is the result of biased judgments based on little evidence.
Several theories have been developed in attempts to better understand prejudice. Briefly, exploitation theory stems from a view that power is scarce and worth fighting over. The idea of the "glass ceiling," where minorities are limited in their opportunities for corporate growth, is an example of exploitation theory.
Scapegoating theory places the blame on a minority group rather than accepting personal responsibility.
The authoritarian personality approach says that certain individual characteristics lead to prejudice, such as rigid observance of conventional norms, total acceptance of authority, and high concern for those in power.
A structural approach points to the social climate that promotes a "pecking order" among group members. These explanations help us better understand prejudice by connecting it to matters of power, class, and social position.
Prejudice, a biased mindset, leads to discrimination, a verbal and nonverbal attitude and behavior. Racism is the direct effect of and practice of discrimination. Racism can be spoken or unspoken, and stems from three essential principles. These are feelings of superiority based on racial or biological differences, strong in-group solidarity, and accompanying rejection of any out-group that differs from the in-groups customs and beliefs, and a tenet that gives those in power special advantage. One factor that drives racist attitudes and behaviors is fear. This fear is grounded in worry that one's cultural or social habits are being threatened, making them want to either attack or run.
Racism can be practiced through racial profiling, which is where individuals of a certain race or races are generally subject to harsher police treatment than their white counterparts. It is also displayed by perpetuating stereotypes through images, which happens when those in socially dominant positions present themselves in a positive light while presenting others in a more negative light. Consistently portraying those of a particular race in helping or supportive roles rather than main roles demanding intellectual fortitude is an example of this. Hate crimes are crimes targeted toward a member of a specific group. They can include any social group, use any means, and occur in any place. Bullying and cyberbullying fall into this category.
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