Racial Definitions?

Question

Maybe it's just me but I heard it said a few time that one should not confuse prejudice with discrimmination. As I look at these two words the dictionary indicates at least to me one is acted up on while the other is a formulated thought. Both words as I see it are from the same root.
Defined words:
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Predujice
1. an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
2. any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
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Discrimination:

1. an act or instance of discriminating.
2. treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.

http://dictionary.reference.com/

Answer 1

I think both words are linked by nature. Although one word denotes a feeling or opinion, and the other word denotes an act, the nature of both are intertwined.

For example: A prejudiced person will act in a discriminatory manner towards those he/she does not like.

See? One leads to the other. Even in lesser instances where race isn't a factor, you could still say the same:

"A person who has a prejudice against shrimp will discriminate between items on the menu that do and do not contain shrimp."

Answer 2

everyone carries some prejudices with them. Everyone regardless of color nationality or religion. They receive these preconceptions from upbringing, peers, and environment as well as personal experiences.
NOT everyone decides to use these preconceived ideas against someone. For instance, in Christianity it is taught that all races are equal made from one blood, "for there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free'. Someone who grew up in the period of racial tension a few decades ago may have some preconceptions about a race (either way ) but decide not to discriminate because of their religious belief.
Prejudice is a thought you may or may not have much control over, being so deeply ingrained.
BUT you can control your action , or the discrimination.

Answer 3

I think you used a politically correct dictionary. "Discrimination" means the ability to differentiate between 2 or more objects or persons. In the earlier 1900s, a "discriminating person" was one who liked the finer things in life, especially food eaten at fine restaurants.
So many words completely changed their meanings during the turbulent '60s and '70s, as people accused and counter-accused others.
One such example is "gay". Being an older person, "gay" to me means "happy".
Another example is "discipline". Ignorant people use it to mean punishment. That is not the original meaning: discipline is the ability to do things very well (the most disciplined people in the world are the gals in the can-can chorus line; in second place are the Marines twirling their rifles with bayonets fixed while the platoon leader walks between the 2 lines of Marines --- hope you have seen it on TV!)
Only to the "politically correct" people does "discrimination" have anything to do with ones "race, creed, color, sex, or national origin".

Answer 4

While these two terms can certainly apply to race, they don't necessarily. Prejudice and discrimination can be attitude and action regarding race, sex, gender, age, religion, creed, education, citizenship, etc.

Having said this, I agree with your assessment: prejudice is an attitude or formulated thought. It doesn't necessarily lead to discrimination, but it certainly could (and most likely toes the line). Discrimination is the acting out of a prejudicial attitude.

Answer 5

from the definition one is a mental thought, the other physical action. yes in terms of racism when u go to a shop. if u r white shop attendant. then u see a black entering. u r already prejudiced and then another white enters and u entertain the white first despite the black being there earlier. tts discrimintion. so one lead to another. both r bad and it sickens.
we shld by now realize tt we r all same n belong to the human race

Answer 6

I am with Michelle on this: What is your question?

Answer 7

I understand but what is your question?