How to Overcome Prejudice

Prejudice targets people of who differ from yourself in religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual preference. It's the act of judging without evidence and is based on a preconceived notion. On an individual level, prejudice damages relationships. On a large scale, it causes terrorism and leads to wars. However, it can be overcome, one person at a time.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Get to know a person on an individual basis before you decide if you don't like them. You're not going to like everyone, but you do need to respect them as an individual and spend time with them before you make a judgment. You need to realize that your way isn't the only way.

2. Follow the Golden Rule. You overcome prejudice by treating others like you want to be treated. You need to think how you would feel if you were treated the way you behave. You must look at your actions from a different perspective.

3. Learn about different cultures and people to understand differences between yourself and others. Education allows you to separate myth from reality. As you learn more, you can relate to other people better even when differences exist. You need to go where you are in the minority and experience what it is like to be in that situation.

4. Be respectful of differences. You need to be able to agree to disagree. Even if you don't see eye to eye with someone, you can respect their opinion. You must value the right to make choices and to have free will. You can respect others for the things you each value such as family, religion, and celebrations.