Prejudice is common among many people. Many people exercise preconceived negative opinions upon other people based on race, age, gender, sexuality, and religion. Some people may not notice that they exhibit prejudiced traits. Luckily there are various ways one can overcome prejudice, including intergroup contact (McBride, 2015). Interaction between people from different societal groups helps in reducing negative attitudes projected toward a particular group. Furthermore, it also promotes inclusivity. Additionally, it is possible to overcome prejudice through media campaigns (Nelson, 2016). Media is an influential factor in society; therefore, it can change people's perspectives toward others who appear to be different.
In high school, I learned to overcome prejudice by gaining more information about the other party. I remember that I had too much hatred for lesbians and gays to the extent that I would not engage with them at any point. Until one day, one of my friends confessed that she was sexually attracted to girls. I was disappointed, but after she narrated how she had a rough childhood with men, I was empathetic. I understood what she had gone through as a child. Therefore, I stopped being judgmental, and I learned to perceive everyone as a human being regardless of their differences.
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The TED talk video by Simon Ives is educative and informative. It argues that people should be less judgmental without proper evidence. I think the video is effective, especially on the intervention strategies it has proposed for fighting prejudice. I concur with Simon that getting accurate information is critical in overcoming prejudice. People show hatred to others most of the time due to unrealistic data passed to them by other people or media. I believe that a story can fight prejudice because I have been a victim, but I overcame prejudice through listening to the other party. When people interact with each other and understand that they are struggling with different challenges, they will develop empathy and change their attitudes and negative perceptions towards others.
References
McBride, M. (2015). What works to reduce prejudice and discrimination? A review of the evidence.
Nelson, S. (2016). Come together: Overcoming prejudice in pride. Screen Education , (80), 60.
