To understand prejudice, we need to break it down into three components: Cognitive (what we think), affective (how we feel), and behavioral (how we act). The cognitive component involves the beliefs or thoughts that a person might have about a group of people, like stereotypes. The affective component is the emotional reaction one has towards a group, which can range from anger to warmth. The behavioral component is about the actions people might take based on these beliefs and feelings, often resulting in discrimination.

Prejudice

Stereotype (Cognitive)
Discrimination (Behavioral)
Emotions such as anger, warmth (Affective)

The nature of Stereotypes

Humans naturally categorize people just like we categorize objects. These categories can become stereotypes-dominant images or ideas about a group that may not be true or fair. Stereotypes often start with a ‘kernel of truth’ but grow into exaggerations that ignore individuality. They can be negative or positive, but both can harmfully reduce a person to simple characteristics instead of seeing them as individuals.

Understanding Discrimination

Discrimination happens when people are treated unfairly based on prejudices. It can be obvious or subtle. For instance, institutionalized discrimination refers to unfair practices embedded in systems like schools or workplaces. Microaggressions, or everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, are also forms of subtle discrimination. Understanding these concepts help us recognize and combat discrimination.

Shooter Bias

This refers to the psychological phenomenon in which individuals are more likely to mistakenly perceive someone from a specific social or racial group, typically marginalized groups, as posing a threat and respond aggressively, often in simulated or real-life scenarios involving weapons. This bias has been studied extensively in the context of law enforcement and implicity racial bias.

Detecting Hidden Prejudices

In our society, people sometimes hold prejudices that they do not express openly, known as suppressed prejudices. Others might also hold implicit prejudices which are unknown even to themselves. Both types can be identified using different methods such as analysis of behaviors (e.g., resume studies) or using technology like the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Understanding these can help us tackle unseen biases within ourselves and society.

Prejudice and Its Effects on the Individual

Prejudices affects people who are targeted in various ways, such as reducing their self-esteem or causing them to internalize negative stereotypes. Sometimes, however, these stereotypes can also lead to empowerment and pride. Ways to cope with and counteract these effects include focusing on positive social identities and understanding the phenomena like the self-fulfilling prophecy and social identity threat.

Self-Affirmation

Refers to the process of reflecting on and reinforcing one’s core values, self-worth, or identity to maintain a positive self-view, particularly when faced with threats or challenges. This psychological strategy helps individuals reduce stress, defend against self-esteem threats, and enhance resilience.

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