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What are the causes and origins of prejudice?

Sources of authority for non-religious people

The reasons for prejudice vary. Some are related to historical events.

  • Prejudice is often based on ignorance. The solution is education. But many people choose to remain ignorant as their prejudices can make them feel superior.
  • Victims of a particular kind of bullying may go on to become bullies themselves. In the same way, if a person has been a victim of prejudice there is a chance that they themselves will become prejudiced against others.
  • A person’s upbringing may cause them to become prejudiced. If parents had prejudices of their own, there is a chance that these opinions will be passed on to the next generation.
  • One bad experience with a person from a particular group can cause a person to think of all people from that group in the same way. This is called 'stereotyping' and can lead to prejudice.
  • The media has a powerful influence on people in the 21st century and can sometimes be responsible for promoting a stereotype of a particular group.
  • Scapegoating is an example of a specific type of prejudice. A person or group can be blamed for the sins or wrongs of another person or group. For example, in 1930s Jews were made scapegoats for the country's economic difficulties.