The nature and power of prejudice are often spoken about within a specific conte

The nature and power of prejudice are often spoken about within a specific context. This can be within different racial and or ethnic groups. Racially because of the physical characteristics of certain groups. These characteristics have for example taken on a social significance within the past couple of years. I won’t go into the minutia of this due to political reasons, but I disagree with most of it, hence the beauty of living in the freest nation in the entire world. Some people judge others by the color of their skin. These are called stereotypes. As humans, we are biologically driven to people that look like us. This is another reason tribalism exists within societies, but we tend to forget this due to the nature of technology and our busy lives or even ignorance of history. We see what social media and CNN throw out there and we immediately think, wow is there really that many racist people in the world. We need to critically think through what those messages are (Central Route) and why they’re being put out into the world. When we talk about ethnic groups, these are people that are set apart because of national origin or distinctive cultural patterns. These are groups such as Irish, Puerto Rican, and Japanese Americans to mention a few. Within these groups, we can also include cultural and religious beliefs such as Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim respectively.
While prejudice can be attributed to race and ethnicity, people tend to believe that other factors such as power or social class structures govern this idea. In the context of power, I mean economic and political power or even the power to control one’s own life. I believe this to be a complete farce due to the nature of how the inherent will to power cannot exist based on how societies fundamentally exist without chaos. If people think we are so oppressed then how do have the ability to travel and move at will, change jobs, and speak somewhat freely on social media platforms without going to jail like in other countries… Elon Musk way to go! The question then becomes, compared to what. Of course, we’re not perfect as a nation and we will always have room to improve, but literally who’s perfect? Don’t worry I’ll wait! The only one worthy of this title is God and were slowly losing that as the next generation turns to technology for their kicks. Most importantly…YES, I don’t know what it feels like to live in other people’s shoes (empathy) but I do believe in meritocracy, working hard while attempting to achieve success for you and your family name. Now, if this is the inherent will to power than I’m guilty.
Although corporate boardrooms are now making diversity, equity and inclusion briefings mandatory across the nation, some states are fighting back against this narrative. According to an article from Brooking.edu, “The legislation mostly ban the discussion, training, and/or orientation that the U.S. is inherently racist as well as any discussions about conscious and unconscious bias, privilege, discrimination, and oppression. These parameters also extend beyond race to include gender lectures and discussions”. Although there is no doubt that people still experience discrimination and prejudice everywhere including but not limited to the workplace, this is extremely unfortunate. I also believe that everyone can to some degree make the most of their situation regardless of sin color while moving up the social hierarchical ladder so to speak. Things are exponentially better than they were 50 years ago, and again we tend to forget this. Whether it’s an individual blind spot due to the ignorance of knowing history or something entirely different.
Reference:
Ray Rashawn and Gibbons Alexandra (November 2021) Why are states banning critical race theory? https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2021/07/02/why-are-states-banning-critical-race-theory/
(Links to an external site.)
Myers, D. (2018). Social Psychology (13th Edition). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.