Cause and Effect of Prejudice

Jill Marler

Mrs. Whitsell

English Comp I

21 August, 2012

The Cause and Effect of Prejudice

            The act of prejudice is unfair and caused by many opposing views. Throughout history, mankind has struggled through being mistreated and judged because of a small difference. Harsh words and actions are the signs of this, and a common form of racism is caused by skin color. This topic is important because prejudice occurs daily to numerous people who most likely don’t deserve it. It needs to be brought to attention, and minimized.

            Whatever creates these unkind feelings is passed along to others whom begin treating people unethically as well. The idea that one race is inferior to another is clearly a main cause of prejudice. Time isn’t taken to understand others when this occurs.

            In addition to prejudice being passed along to others, another cause is an individual’s difference. Prejudice occurs when one is unlike the other. While encountering a trait or quality that is unfamiliar, one must decide to accept or reject it. Prejudiced individuals reject an aspect of someone which in turn, leads to the effect on the ones prejudiced against.

            The effect prejudice has on individuals and the society we live in is very significant. When people are not accepted, they miss the chances to grow in their community.  Employers must overcome any form of prejudice in order to provide job opportunities to everyone qualified. In smaller cases, it may only bring about emotional pain to the one being picked on. Others-because of their skin color, gender, or religion- could become victim to harassment. They could also lose their self-worth and struggle with building it back up.

            Prejudice is a topic some ignore, while others fall victim to its effects. Prejudice is quite controversial, because some only apply doing the right thing to certain situations. Many motives cause people to treat others unkindly, and the biggest influence is who one surrounds themself with. It is more important to respect others than to cause them harm.