Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice and discrimination can be often confused what the either means or is considered the same. This has put both of them under the same spotlight though they are not the same; however, it is best to understand what they actually mean and maybe help spread awareness about the trivial matters. There has been a lot of awareness in recent years and has been common among towards a group of people who are unfamiliar with each other and their race, ethnicity or culture.

Prejudice, which is an attitude and feeling toward a person that is typically unfavorable, may arise simply from belonging to a particular social group. Prejudice is common against people who are members of an unfamiliar cultural group; or also known as preconceived opinion based on prior beliefs instead of facts. This shows that prejudice only exists in one's own mindset; creating differences between how people see themselves and may also form mental health issues. The person facing prejudice may classify themselves as someone who does not fit in, because they may think as such due to prior beliefs that are inserted to their minds. This belief and prejudice may cause many health, physical and mental health issues. Some examples of prejudice include:

• Considering that they can't perform the work, you don't want to hire a person with a disability.
• having bad preconceptions about someone who follows a different religion.
• assuming that a senior citizen is not tech savvy.

Discrimination is when someone receives a different treatment—usually a bad one—because they are a member of a particular group. acting unfairly against someone else because you perceive them to be different. Discrimination, on the other hand, is the distinction made against an individual or thing based on the group, class, or category they belong to, in contrast to basing any action on an individual's merit. This has put a huge difference in how people are treated due to their class, group, race or what part of the world they are from. What makes it different from prejudice is that discrimination classifies treatment towards one group, class, or category they are in. This discrimination derives from people who have been influenced by prejudice. Along with that discrimination against other people are also shown through actions because of the suspicion about their race. These actions include:

• requesting that a customer leave because you think that because of their race, they are unable to afford to do business there.
• making a police call because you believe a resident of color in your community has committed a crime.
• excluding a customer from your establishment because of your preconceived notions about someone who follows a different religion.

Conclusion

Though it's hard to understand the difference between prejudice and discrimination, there is only one thing to understand between them; the only distinct difference between these two is that prejudice has to do with attitude and prior beliefs, while discrimination has to do with action. This has put a lot of tension between people of different nation, class, and groups. However, it does not mean that we get to put whoever it is in danger just because of a perceived difference. As we all have to live in peace and be able to understand other people's perception and see what they might be feeling. Facing discrimination and prejudice can be hard to handle, and may be rude to others, but trying to stand up for yourself is the biggest difference that may help others get motivated. As well as an increase in self - esteem, confidence and other health problems may occur less.

References:

Learning, Lumen. “Prejudice and Discrimination | Introduction to Psychology.” Prejudice and Discrimination, 2010, courses.lumenlearning.com/waymaker-psychology/chapter/prejudice-and-discrimination/.

Gunner, Jennifer. “Difference between Prejudice and Discrimination Defined.” Grammar.yourdictionary.com, grammar.yourdictionary.com/vs/difference-between-prejudice-and-discrimination-defined.html.

“The Causes and Types of Prejudice and Discrimination - Contemporary Issues in Christianity - CCEA - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - CCEA.” BBC Bitesize, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zdrxbdm/revision/1.