The Problem

Prejudice is often based on misinformation. Consider the following examples:

• Some employers have mistakenly believed that women are unqualified for scientific or technical jobs.

• In medieval Europe, Jews were falsely accused of poisoning wells and spreading disease. During Nazi rule, Jews were again slandered. But this time they were accused of causing the economic crisis in Germany. Both cases resulted in the Jews becoming victims of extreme prejudice, some of which is still evident today.

• Many people wrongly conclude that everyone who has a disability is sad or bitter.

People who believe myths such as those may point to examples or alleged evidence that seems to confirm their bias. And they think that anyone who disagrees with them is ignorant.

Bible Principle

“A person without knowledge is not good.”​—PROVERBS 19:2.

What does it mean? Without knowing the facts, we make bad decisions. If we believe myths rather than facts, we will misjudge people.

How Knowing the Facts Helps

If we know the facts about people, we are less likely to believe common but false assumptions about them. And once we learn that we have not been told the truth about a particular group, we may be more likely to question assumptions that we have made about other groups of people.

What You Can Do

• Remember that sweeping generalizations about groups of people do not apply to all individuals of that group.

• Acknowledge that the information you have about others may be limited.

• Try to get the facts from a reliable source.

The Problem

If we focus too much on how different others are from us, we could conclude that such differences are flaws or defects. In effect, we would be regarding as inferior those who are different. Once we develop this negative view of others, it becomes difficult to show empathy. Our lack of empathy can be a symptom of a deeper problem​—prejudice.

Bible Principle

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”​—ROMANS 12:15.

What does it mean? This principle can be summarized in two words​—show empathy. Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another’s place and feel what he feels.

How Empathy Helps

When we empathize with someone, we become aware of just how similar we are to that person. We realize that he or she may feel the way we feel and may react the way we react. Empathy helps us to see that all people, no matter what their background may be, are part of the human family. The more we focus on how similar they are to us, the less likely we will be to judge them negatively.

Empathy will also help us to respect others. Anne-Marie, from Senegal, once looked down on people who came from so-called lower castes. She explains how empathy helped her: “When I saw the hardships suffered by those who belonged to lower castes, I asked myself how I would feel in their position. This moved me to question the validity of my supposed higher status​—one that I had neither chosen nor earned.” Yes, if we strive to understand another person’s struggles, we are more likely to empathize rather than to criticize.

What You Can Do

Try to see beyond the differences and find similarities between you and people from a group you may view negatively. For example, imagine how they feel when

• eating a meal with their family

• finishing a hard day’s work

• spending time with friends

• listening to their favorite music

Next, try to imagine yourself in their situation. Ask yourself:

• ‘How would I react if someone made me feel worthless?’

• ‘How would I feel if others judged me before they even got to know me?’

• ‘If I were part of their group, how would I like others to treat me?’

The Problem

Egotism can lead to prejudice. An egotistical person has an inflated opinion of his own worth. He views himself as superior and judges people who are different from him as being inferior. Anyone can fall into this trap. The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “Most [cultural] groups feel​—to varying degrees of intensity​—that their way of life, their foods, dress, habits, beliefs, values, and so forth, are superior to those of other groups.” How can we avoid this flawed way of thinking?

Bible Principle

“With humility consider others superior to you.”​—PHILIPPIANS 2:3.

What does it mean? To avoid excessive pride, we need to cultivate its opposite​—humility. Humility allows us to recognize that in some areas of life others are superior. No one group has a monopoly on all good qualities and abilities.

Consider the example of Stefan. He grew up in a Communist country but overcame his feelings of prejudice against people from non-Communist countries. He says: “I believe that considering others as superior to you is important in counteracting prejudice. I don’t know everything. I can learn something from every person.”

What You Can Do

Try to have a realistic view of yourself and remain aware of your own failings. Acknowledge that others are strong in areas where you are weak. Do not assume that all people from a particular group have the same flaws.

Instead of drawing negative conclusions about a person who is from a particular group of people, ask yourself:

• ‘Are the traits that I dislike about that person actually bad, or are they just different?’

• ‘Could this person find faults in me?’

• ‘In what areas is this person more capable than I am?’

If you answer these questions honestly, you may not only overcome any prejudice you have but you may also find things to admire in that person.

The Problem

If we isolate ourselves from people whom we view negatively, we may reinforce our prejudices. And if we limit our friends to people who are like us, we may tend to think that our way is the only acceptable way of thinking, feeling, and acting.

Bible Principle

“Open your hearts wide.”​—2 CORINTHIANS 6:13.

What does it mean? Our “heart” can refer to our emotions and affections. If we have affection only for people who are similar to us, our heart becomes closed or cramped. To avoid that problem, we must be willing to befriend those who are different from us.

How Expanding Our Circle of Friends Helps

When we get to know others personally, we begin to understand why they do things differently. And as we grow closer to them, we start to see them as part of our own group. We come to value them more, and their joys and sorrows become our own.

Consider the example of Nazaré. She once felt prejudice toward immigrants. She explains what helped her: “I spent time with them and worked with them. I met people who were the complete opposite of what the rest of the community was saying they were. Once you befriend people from a different culture, you learn not to stereotype them, and you grow to love them and value them as individuals.”

What You Can Do

Find opportunities to speak with people who are from a country, ethnicity, or language group different from yours. You could

• Ask them to tell you a little about themselves.

• Invite them to join you for a meal.

• Listen to their stories, and find out what is important to them.

If you try to understand how their experiences have shaped their personality, you may develop a positive attitude toward people from their group.

The Problem

Feelings of prejudice do not disappear quickly. Just as it takes time and effort to get rid of a virus, it takes time and effort to get rid of prejudice. What can you do to remove prejudice from within you?

Bible Principle

“Clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”​—COLOSSIANS 3:14.

What does it mean? Doing kind things for others brings people together. The more you show your love for others, the less prejudiced you become. The more love you feel, the less room you leave in your heart for hatred or contempt.

What You Can Do

Think of specific ways that you can show love for people who are from a group that you may have viewed negatively. These actions do not have to be elaborate. Try to do one or more of the following:

• Show good manners to members of that group by holding the door open or by giving up your seat on public transportation for one of them.

• Try to engage in small talk, even if they do not speak your language fluently.

• Be patient when they act in a way that you do not understand.

• Be sympathetic if they talk about their problems.