MAIN TOPIC: STEREOTYPE, PREJUDICES AND DISCRIMINATION

INTRODUCTION

There are 7.7 billion people across 195 countries and every race has their own belief
system religion, culture, and tradition. Yet, each individual is a unique mix of their own. That is
why appreciating diversity is very important to fully understand he human experience and for us
to coexist peacefully.
However, understanding diversity requires us to broaden our appreciation of the many
facets of the human race and recognize that we have our own stereotypes, prejudice, and
discrimination too.

Definition of terms:
Definition of terms:
•• Stereotype
Stereotype––extremely
extremelygeneralized
generalizedbriefly
brieflyabout
aboutaagroup
groupofofpeople.
people.
•• Prejudice – unjustified or incorrect attitude towards a person.
Prejudice – unjustified or incorrect attitude towards a person.
•• Discrimination
Discrimination––when
whenstereotypes
stereotypesand
andprejudice
prejudicetranslate
translateinto
intoaanegative
negativeact
acttowards
towardsaa
person.
person.

SUBTOPIC 1: Stereotypes

Stereotypes are an “over-generalized belief about a particular group or class of people”

(Cardwell 1996). It can be helpful in simplifying things, after all, there 7.7 billion people in the
planet. When we meet someone for the first time, we associate with them certain characteristics
and abilities that we usually base on the group they belong to.
While some stereotypes convey positive examples (like a student from Ivy league schools
would be stereotyped as very intelligent or matalino, or Filipinos being known for our
hospitality), most stereotypes, however, are drawn from negative generalizations like equating
our muslim countrymen as terrorist and viewing farmers and blue-collar worker as lazy and less
educated.
It reflects our expectation and beliefs and is largely based on the social circle we belong
to as we try to conform or agree to the standard way of thought. However, these stereotypes
change through time depending on social and political conditions.
A stereotype can be categorized as “explicit”, meaning the person is aware that they have
these thoughts towards a group of people and they can say it out loud. It can also be “implicit”
wherein a person does not know if they have these stereotypes since it lies in their subconscious.
When the stereotype is explicit, a person can choose not to turn their stereotype into action.
While with an implicit stereotype, a person has no control or awareness of it, and it may manifest
into action or behaviour.

SUBTOPIC 2: Prejudice

Prejudice is an “unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual

based solely on the individual’s membership of a social group” (McLeod 2008). Prejudice
represents our emotional response upon learning of a persons’ membership to a specific group
(like age, skin colour, race, disability, generation, nationality, religion, sex, sexual expression,
gender expression, and so on).
 This negative attitude (prejudice) can be dangerous since it often leads to negative action
and behaviours. For example, a sexist person is someone who has negative attitude toward the
other sex and sees them as the lesser sex. This negative attitude could manifest into action such
as bullying, discrimination, or violence.

SUBTOPIC 3: Discrimination

Discrimination refers to actions or behaviours towards an individual or a group of people.

According to the United Nations “discriminatory behaviours take many forms, but they all
involve some form of exclusion or rejection.

People who are discriminated on are treated worse that the way people are usually treated
just because they belong to a certain group or they have certain characteristics. Here are a few
examples of discrimination:

• Genocide is the action of recognizing someone as different so much that they are treated
inhumanly and degraded.
• Apartheid (means separateness) is a form of racial discrimination wherein one race is viewed
as less than the other, resulting in the separation of black and whites and the mass murder of
Jews in concentration camps.
• Gender discrimination is another common form of discrimination. Statistically, women earn
less than men and are often relegated to be solely responsible for child-rearing and house chores.
Men, on the other hand, are discriminated in household responsibilities such that they are
perceived as less manly when they do their share of house chores or when they become stay at
home husbands.
• LGBT discrimination happens when LGBT people are treated as lesser than straight people.
Discrimination happens early in their childhood as they get bullied when they act differently or
dress differently than other kids. During adolescence, they get judge, bullied or physical
assaulted as they explore and express their sexuality.

Restricting opportunities or privileges that may be available to other groups is

discrimination, like the right to vote in national elections. In the Philippines, women only gained
the right to vote in 1937 and before that, Filipinos women had no legal rights even to own
properties. That form of institutional discrimination was based on illogical or irrational
judgement that women are weaker than men.

FREEDOM AND EQUALITY

Article I of the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) states that “all human
beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This declaration was drafted by member
countries of the united nation, including the Philippines, in 1948. This monumental document
outlines the fundamental rights of every human being that should be protected by everyone at all
times.

Its preamble recognizes that the “inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights
of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in world.”
While discriminatory traditions, policies, ideas, practices, and law sexist in many
countries, many have shifted towards making opportunities and privileges accessible to
everyone. In many countries, people of the same sex can now get married and create their own
families while enjoying the same rights as straight couples. In the Philippines, all establishments
are now required by law to have an access ramp for people with dis ability.
 Appreciating diversity of the human race is key to making a safer and more inclusive
environment for everyone, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexuality, gender, or creed.

CONCLUSION

Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination is a sensitive issue for many people since it
can be traced to our history, culture, tradition, and religion.

However, with the internet and technology, we now live in a world that seems to have no
boarders. It is important to create a society that respect the uniqueness of every human being and
uphold everyone’s dignity and rights.

REVIEW OF MAIN POINTS

 Stereotypes reflects our expectation and beliefs and is largely based on the social circle
we belong to as we try to conform or agree to the standard way of thought. However,
these stereotypes change through time depending on social and political conditions.

 A stereotype can be categorized as “explicit”, meaning the person is aware that they have
these thoughts towards a group of people and they can say it out loud. It can also be
“implicit” wherein a person does not know if they have these stereotypes since it lies in
their subconscious.

 Prejudice represents our emotional response upon learning of a persons’ membership to a

specific group (like age, skin colour, race, disability, generation, nationality, religion, sex,
sexual expression, gender expression, and so on).

 People who are discriminated on are treated worse that the way people are usually treated
just because they belong to a certain group or they have certain characteristics.

 Restricting opportunities or privileges that may be available to other groups is

discrimination, like the right to vote in national elections.

 Article I of the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) states that “all human
beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This declaration was drafted by
member countries of the united nation, including the Philippines, in 1948.

 Appreciating diversity of the human race is key to making a safer and more inclusive
environment for everyone, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexuality, gender, or creed.

REFLECTION

Stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination are three interconnected concepts that have been a
part of human society for centuries. While they may seem like synonymous terms, each has its
unique meaning and impact on individuals and communities. In this reflection, I will explore the
nature of these concepts, their causes, and their effects on society.
 Stereotype is a widely held belief about a particular group of people based on their perceived
characteristics. These beliefs are often inaccurate, oversimplified, and negative. Stereotypes can
be based on various factors such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. They can be
harmless at times, but they can also lead to prejudice and discrimination.

Prejudice is an attitude or opinion that is formed without proper reasoning or evidence.

Prejudice is often based on stereotypes and can be positive or negative. Prejudice can lead to
discrimination, which is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of a person based on their group
membership. Discrimination can take many forms such as verbal abuse, social exclusion, or
denial of opportunities.

The causes of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination are complex and multifaceted. Some
factors that contribute to these concepts include cultural values, historical experiences, personal
experiences, and media portrayals. For example, a person who grew up in a culture that values
masculinity may develop prejudices against femininity. Similarly, a person who has experienced
violence or oppression may develop negative stereotypes about certain groups of people.

The effects of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination are far-reaching and profound. They
can have negative impacts on individuals' mental health, self-esteem, and social relationships.
They can also have negative impacts on communities' social cohesion and economic
development. For example, the stereotype that women are not capable of leadership roles can
prevent women from accessing leadership positions in organizations, leading to underutilization
of talent and resources.

To combat stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination, it is essential to promote awareness and

understanding of these concepts. This can be achieved through education, training programs, and
community engagement initiatives. It is also essential to promote empathy and respect for
diverse perspectives and experiences. This can be achieved through dialogue, active listening,
and cross-cultural exchange programs. Finally, it is essential to promote policies and laws that
protect individuals from prejudice and discrimination based on their group memberships. This
can be achieved through legal frameworks such as anti-discrimination laws and affirmative
action policies.

In conclusion, stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination are complex concepts that have
significant impacts on individuals' lives and communities' well-being. While they may seem like
inevitable parts of human society, it is essential to promote awareness, understanding, empathy,
respect for diverse perspectives and experiences through education, training programs,
community engagement initiatives, dialogue, active listening cross-cultural exchange programs
as well as policies and laws that protect individuals from prejudice and discrimination based on
their group memberships to combat these concepts effectively. By doing so we can create a more
inclusive and equitable society for all individuals regardless of their group memberships.

The terms stereotype, prejudice, discrimination, and racism are often used interchangeably in
everyday conversation. Let us explore the differences between these concepts. Stereotypes are
oversimplified generalizations about groups of people. Stereotypes can be based on race,
ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation—almost any characteristic. They may be positive
(usually about one’s own group, such as when women suggest they are less likely to complain
about physical pain) but are often negative (usually toward other groups, such as when members
of a dominant racial group suggest that a subordinate racial group is stupid or lazy). In either
case, the stereotype is a sweeping overview that doesn’t take individual differences into account.
Where do stereotypes come from? In fact new stereotypes are rarely created, but are instead
recycled from earlier applications to subordinate groups that have since assimilated into society.
They are then reused to describe newly subordinate groups. For example, many stereotypes that
are currently used to characterize Black people were used earlier in American history to
characterize Irish and Eastern European immigrants.

A stereotype is a specific belief or assumption (thoughts) about individuals based solely on

their membership in a group, regardless of their individual characteristics. Stereotypes can be
positive or negative and when overgeneralized are applied to all members of a group.
Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s
membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common
against people who are members of an unfamiliar cultural group.
Discrimination

When someone acts on prejudiced attitudes toward a group of people this is known as
discrimination. Discrimination is negative action toward an individual as a result of one’s
membership in a particular group (Allport, 1954; Dovidio & Gaertner, 2004). As a result of
holding negative beliefs (stereotypes) and negative attitudes (prejudice) about a particular group,
people often treat the target of prejudice poorly. Discrimination can extend to institutions or
social and political systems.