Question: Stereotypes are beliefs about the typical characteristics of members of a group. Prejudice is the evaluation of a group or of an individual based on membership in a group. Prejudice commonly is based on race or ethnicity, but also may be based on socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, weight or physical appearance, sexual orientation, age, disability, and/or other such characteristics. Discrimination is the behavioral component of prejudice, typically demonstrated by negative behavior toward a person based on prejudicial attitudes. Together, these three concepts in social psychology result in highly destructive beliefs, behaviors, and interactions about, toward, and with others. If discrimination is to be reduced in society, it is essential to understand where prejudice comes from, how it is sustained, and how it can be reduced. To prepare:
• Review Chapter 13 in your course text, Social Psychology, focusing on how people learn prejudice, common motives for prejudice, and the various theories of prejudice.
• Select a twentieth- or twenty-first-century example of prejudice against a group in which you are not a member. For your example, think about the stereotype that leads to the prejudice and the resulting negative behaviors (discrimination). In other words, how does the prejudice depicted in your example impact individuals and society? How can the prejudice be reduced?
Post a brief explanation of one twentieth- or twenty-first-century example of prejudice against a specific group and identify associated stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors. You should not be a member of the group and you should not actively oppose the group in your Discussion. Explain an effect of this prejudice on individuals or society. Use specific examples. Then, apply elements of theory from your readings to explain a cause of this specific prejudice and to recommend a means of reducing this specific prejudice, either at the individual or societal level.
Notes: • Name the group you are discussing in the subject line of your post.
• Support the responses within your Discussion post, and in your colleague reply, with evidence from the assigned Learning Resources.
• You are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleague's postings. After clicking on the "Post to Discussion Question" link, select "Create Thread" to create your initial post.