Do you think anyone is truly unprejudiced? Are you?

Answer 1

This is a hot debate within social psychology. As part of living within a larger culture, we adopt many of the stereotypes and biases held by that culture about different groups. This is not necessarily a conscious acceptance, but occurs at an unconscious level. These implicit associations between a group and a particular trait (the stereotype that blacks are violent, for example) can guide our behavior even if on an explicit, conscious level, we do not agree with that association.

One factor that matters is whether we have the cognitive resources to overcome this unconscious bias (assuming that we wish to do so). If we are under time pressure, or are distracted, it becomes difficult. One study showed that when participants are forced to respond quickly, they were more likely to mistake a tool for a gun if they had first been presented with a Black face than a White face (Payne, 2001). This has implications for cases like that of Amadou Diallo, a black man who was shot several times by police as he reached for his wallet.

The short answer to the question is this: No one is completely without bias or prejudice, as it exists below the level of awareness. Still, one can limit how much of that prejudice is expressed in behavior when they are willing and able to do so.

Answer 2

I don't think anybody is unprejudiced. ( well except for navyhm1983 of course) From the moment you're born people start stuffing your head full of opinions and ideas. It's really hard to get that out of your system. And even if you do manage to clear your system, then other peoples ideas and opinions will influence you. And remember: if you're harassed at work by a colleague and you say to people "he's a total bastard"you're being prejudiced because this colleague may be really nice to his family and friends and then he's not a TOTAL bastard.

Answer 3

I don't think anybody is truly unprejudiced. We judge people everyday and place stereotypes on certain people just by the way we perceive them.
-A large majority of the people on this website are angered by the lack of spelling and grammar skills and chalk it up to people being lazy or ignorant.
-When we (especially women) walk down a not-so-good area of town, especially alone or in the dark, and see a man or group of men we don't know, we automatically get nervous, avert eye contact, and walk quicker, as if these men are going to hurt us.
-A lot of people assume that fast food workers are either illegal immigrants or just lazy and don't want to find better jobs and are generally uneducated
-A lot of younger people (including me) see the blonde, overly tan girls with their sparkling teeth and thousand dollar wardrobes and accessories and automatically think the girls are spoiled and snobby.
-We see Hispanics who do not speak English and automatically assume they are illegal immigrants on a mission to steal our jobs
-Prejudice can even be as simple as seeing a black person and assuming they are fast or the best at basketball.

In short, no one is truly unprejudiced, not even me or you.
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Answer 4

Well thanks Christy,you started a discussion in our house!

Personally I don't think I am prejudice at all. I can't think of anything that I would be prejudice about. There are good and bad in all people and all things and this is just a fact of life. To hate or condemn others beliefs or way of life is not for me to judge.

Answer 5

Probably not in a pure sense because we have beem socialized to some extent by our families schools and friends. However one can be aware that they have some prejudice and actively work to identify it and act accordingly.

Answer 6

as long as human beings have opinions they will prefer one thing or person over another. and yes there are those who love to hate. i think it's because there's something missing on the inside. As for me there are those who I will distance myself from because of certain attitudes or beliefs, but I don't see hate as a feeling I get from this.

Answer 7

I believe that everyone harbors some form of prejudice in one way or another. Yes, I have found my self being prejudice before, not that I am proud of it.

Answer 8

I think as much as we like to think we are not there are subtle prejudices. So I don't think anyone is totally without prejudice.I wish I was but I am not.

Answer 9

I am truly unpredjudiced. Now do I always agree with others choices no but if it doesn't inflict upon my rights no problem,

Answer 10

I love everyone!! I just don't like alot of peoples ways. Just stay away from them, they can't always help that they are so... evil.