Can humans ever really be free from prejudice and bigotry as long as we continue to compete?

Question

Because to me, that is where it all stems from at times.

Answer 1

I agree with you that competition has a lot to do with it. But I think it's more complicated than that. We have a natural fear of 'the other'. We have things like tribalism and nationalism, the us-vs-them thoughts that seem to be built into us, they seem to be human nature.

I don't think we will ever be free of it. But we can make progress. We -have- made progress! And when we see prejudice or bigotry popping up in some new form, maybe even disguised as something more respectable, we can take the trouble to point it out and criticize it.

Answer 2

We were all brought up I think to compete. I wonder if it is also in our nature? Now the world is so competitive I think it is just over the top, and the pressures it subjects people too have some very adverse effects.

I think bigotry, and prejudice is something we learn in the path of live, also of course, inherited during our childhood, surroundings and from our parents. That's why we always tried to tell our girls; 'give people a chance',
first, before you judge. And don't leap to conclusions about people and events. Do some research and thinking first.

Then as we grow older we can get into our own mold of bigotry. We make the choices. Bigots are very hard people to be around. And competitiveness, will always be there. Unfortunate, in a way. It's quite a large subject this whole debate.

Answer 3

I talk to mostly older people of many races now-a-days usually at the cemetery and while shopping at Walmart, and I've noticed that the unspoken bugaboo of bigotry and prejudice that used to hang in the air when speaking to someone of a different race just isn't there anymore. I'm not sure if they have all improved or if it is me but I think with age, for most of us, we reach a point where such trivialities such as race just doesn't matter anymore although at one time we may have considered it quite important.

Answer 4

I suspect that as long as there are differences in people, there will be discrimination to some extent or another...but I am not sure it comes from competition...that would be jealousy, wouldn't it? Discrimination comes from fear and misunderstanding. IF you sit down at a table with someone of another race, have coffee with them, talk, have fun....the differences and fear evaporates and the discriminative feelings disappear. But there is no table big enough to do that for the world, so we will always have some fear of those different then we..and the reasons we can find to discriminate are often so pathetic that even WE dislike ourselves for feeling that way..when this happens, it is past time to make some serious changes in our heads. Love and peace, Goldwing

Answer 5

I believe you have made a good point. We all (most anyway) like to have something "up" on everyone else...maybe a bigger house, newer car...whatever. Competition can be mildly good, but there comes a point where hatred, bigotry, and prejudice will come, if we let it.

Answer 6

Competition is as natural to most as breathing.

I don't see how it contributes to prejudice and bigotry, though. I don't like losing, but if I do, it's my own fault, not the fault of the person who did better than I did.

Or have I misunderstood your question?

Answer 7

Prejudice and bigotry arise when a majority ethnic group must carry and take care of a minority ethnic group. It's up to the minority group to suck it up and begin competing.

Answer 8

As long as there are political and religious leaders seeking power and money the game will be played out.

Answer 9

You are right but with age come the wise person that is more secure within themselves and no longer do that unless they are a failure.

Answer 10

both will be part of this world until Jesus returns.
there will be greed and competing until Jesus returns.
Christians can even have those traits.