Forming an opinion with little information can lead to prejudice. You can read more about it here.
Africans always wear traditional costumes, Americans only eat fast food, girls can’t skate, and he’s gay because he likes to talk to girls…
Prejudices – what are they exactly?
Prejudices are judgments that people make about a person without really knowing that person. Sometimes these prejudices concern individual persons, sometimes the individual sexes, often even entire peoples and countries.
First impression
Surely you too know these situations where you meet a person you don’t know and immediately make a judgment about him or her: pretty or not pretty, likeable or not likeable, tall or short…
On the one hand, these judgments that we make in the first few seconds are very important for us because they help us to classify the many impressions that flow into us every day. Particularly important is the quick assessment of situations, e.g. in case of danger. Quite often, however, these initial judgments deceive us or are simply wrong. Just think, is it possible that all Americans or Turks, for example, are the same? Or is it possible that you can judge someone only on the basis of their garb? People often believe in these prejudices because it’s more convenient than making up your own mind.
Do not be deceived
We encourage you to look more closely at each person.
TIP:
- Give your counterpart the chance to get to know him or her. This way you will always have the opportunity to get to know a unique person!
- Especially when you hear prejudices: Think first before you simply repeat them or reject someone because of them.
- Maybe you even dare to discuss prejudices with relatives or friends.
- Be brave and form your own opinion.
For further help and support — Speak with a licensed therapist today.