expert believe that everyone is discriminatory to some extent [ source : Harvard Gazette ] . Before you baulk at that , think about what your prejudice might be . Prejudice can be interrelate to faith , race , years , appearance , mental or physical impairment , socioeconomic class , sexual orientation , gender , accent or even body weight . Unfortunately , that ’s just a inadequate list .
Negative feelings toward a group or a member of a mathematical group are often based on generalizations . These feelings develop through life experience and from exposure to opinions expressed by kinsfolk , friends and the media [ reservoir : Mitchell ] . With some self-contemplation , you’re able to deal with your bias and check your activeness , but what happens if you ’re confront with prejudiced statements from others ? You need to walk a tightrope : Acknowledge unfitting voice communication and convey your notion while trying not to step up the situation . Do n’t look down !
Since detrimental language is so varied and can be expressed in any number of setting , handle it in the manner best fit for your position . If you do n’t talk up against preconception , it sends the signal that you have the same outlook [ source : Anti - Defamation League ] . If possible , confront the issue immediately . However , if the situation is tense and unstable , it might be dependable to wait until hoi polloi settle down . In either example , there are specific scheme you may use so hoi polloi feel less justificatory . continue calm and respectful , and do n’t be sarcastic . Criticize the prejudiced language , not the someone using it . Present your instance without antagonize the speaker , and they ’ll be more probable to give your words the care they deserve .
enjoin a unknown that a remark is biased is relatively simple . you could say , " That sounds prejudiced . " let in the reason , if you wish well : " It ’s a sweeping generalization . " Then make your way out .
When the bias comes from mob , friends , conversancy or coworkers , you might be debunk to it more regularly . You ’ll need to take a more targeted coming , but always say , " That sounds prejudiced . " What you say next look on your relationship with the speaker , as well as the specific commentary . If you call up the individual spoke without conceive it through , try simply repeat the financial statement . To interpret what motive is behind a prejudiced asseveration , ask , " Why do you guess that ? " When you hear a bigoted joke , just do n’t " get " it . need why the target characteristic is pertinent to the temper . These scheme all encourage the speaker to ruminate .
If you could , use facts , figures or personal experience to sideboard stereotype and generalizations . When the speaker has an " us - against - them " mentality , direct out law of similarity between the group ask . you’re able to also make it personal . Explain why you think the comment is prepossess , and offer a more accurate and desirable way to make the point . If you ’ve been in the utterer ’s place , recognise that and key what caused you to shift perspective . Finally , if you ’re the quarry of the prejudiced input , clarify why the statement is harmful and correct the interpretation [ source : Mitchell ] .
People do n’t deepen overnight , so you may observe yourself defend the same battle again and again . Bear in mind the tactics above , and keep plodding forward one stride at a meter . You ’re fighting the good fight !
