Understanding Prejudice: A Survival Mechanism in Humanity
Written on
Chapter 1: The Roots of Prejudice
Are humans inherently prejudiced?
From the dawn of time, humans have exhibited prejudice. It's not a recent phenomenon; in fact, our ancestors relied on this instinct for survival. The cognitive adaptations we developed have been essential for navigating a world filled with potential threats. If we didn’t harbor some level of prejudice, it’s likely humanity wouldn’t have survived.
Consider our environment: sharp knives, electrical switches, and gas cylinders are just a few examples of everyday dangers. Our awareness of these risks helps us stay safe. Even in prehistoric times, dangers lurked around every corner—be it wild animals, treacherous waters, or severe weather. If our ancestors hadn’t developed a healthy wariness toward predators or fire, they may have perished.
Beyond survival instincts, prejudice manifests in various aspects of modern life, such as in relationships, workplaces, religion, and politics. For instance, biases can lead to assumptions that men are more competent than women or that youth equates to superiority over the elderly. In societal contexts, many people unjustly associate all Muslims with terrorism, or presume guilt when a Black individual is present at a crime scene.
In contemporary society, prejudice has shifted from a survival mechanism to a destructive force. However, it still plays a role in our survival instincts. A notable example of this was reported in the New York Times on November 10, 1994. It tells the tragic story of Bobby Crabtree, who mistakenly shot his daughter, Matilda, believing she was an intruder.
After arriving home late, Bobby and his wife assumed Matilda was at a friend’s house. Hearing noises, Bobby instinctively reached for his handgun, believing he needed to protect his family. When Matilda surprised him by jumping out, he tragically shot her in the neck, resulting in her death after a lengthy struggle. While many condemned Bobby's actions, some understood that his response stemmed from a primal survival instinct.
Chapter 2: Overcoming Prejudice
Can we transcend our prejudices?
The answer is yes, through changing our perceptions. Take, for example, the varying attitudes humans have towards dogs. Some cherish these animals, while others fear them. Why do such differing perceptions exist within the same species? Unlike snakes and mongooses, who universally view each other as threats, humans can have vastly different feelings about dogs.
Historically, dogs have been our companions. Those who fear them may have had negative experiences or been conditioned to view them as dangerous. Similarly, societal teachings about lions instill fear. The key to breaking down these prejudices lies in personal experience. When we interact with what we fear, we can often dispel the unfounded assumptions we've been taught.
The first video titled "How Prejudiced Are You? Recognizing and Combating Unconscious Bias" by Jennefer Witter at TEDxAlbany explores the nature of bias and offers insights into recognizing and addressing our own prejudices.
The second video, "Prejudice and Discrimination: Crash Course Psychology #39," provides a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind prejudice and its impact on society.
Ultimately, the journey to overcome prejudice involves conscious effort and a willingness to challenge the stereotypes we’ve internalized.