All of us have had experiences of prejudice, and most of us have strong opinions about it. Here are a few questions for a self-examination of your views.
- Have you ever been a victim of prejudice? What was the situation? How did you feel? What was your response?
- Were you taught tolerance as a virtue by your parents? What do you think are the best ways to help children see the benefits of a pluralistic society?
- What is your view of comedians whose humor has racist and sexist edges?
- Are race relations getting better or worse in your society? On what do you base your assessment?
- What recent developments in the culture have contributed to the resurgence of bigotry?
- Do the media overplay or underplay stories of racial tension and misunderstanding? Cite examples.
- What factors have promoted prejudice in your community? What have inhibited it?
- Do you believe that the "contact hypothesis" (having people of different backgrounds and races work together on a common goal) is the best way to break down mutual antipathies? If not, what is?
- What have you found to be the best ways for people who comes from different religious or ethnic backgrounds to learn to understand and appreciate each other's traditions?
- How do you react to racist statements by friends of yours? What are the best antidotes to the hostile imagination?
- Who are a few of your favorite freedom fighters — individuals who have fought against bigotry, racism, and hatred?
- What recent book, film, television program, drama, or song has shed new light on prejudice or the ways to reduce it? Describe what you learned from it.
