How to Write an Essay on Prejudice
There is a common factor that links events as diverse as the legalization of slavery, anti-Semitic behavior by the Nazis and the bombing of the World Trade Center: prejudice. Although several definitions are given for this term, they all point to the existence of a prejudgment that is generally negative in nature, and accompanied by dislike. Writing an essay on prejudice is not difficult because of the sheer volume of research work that has been done on this subject. However, it is important to sort through all this information, and find material that conveys the perspective you wish to provide through the essay.
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Instructions
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Determine the points you wish to cover in your essay on prejudice. Include aspects such as the definition of prejudice, a few examples of how prejudice manifests in behavior, the ill effects of prejudice and what can be done to overcome it.
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Prepare an outline setting out the sequence in which you plan to tackle each of these aspects. Make sure the ideas flow in a smooth and logical order that is easy for readers to comprehend.
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Browse the website of Understanding Prejudice. Collect relevant information about each of the aspects you wish to cover in your essay. Pay special attention to case studies, statistics and research findings about the manifestation of prejudice as racial and sexist discrimination, religious bigotry or bullying behavior by children.
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Begin you essay with a quote, an anecdote or an account of research findings that illustrate prejudice. Make this introductory paragraph catchy to hook the reader's attention.
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Discuss what prejudice is, and its relation with the concepts of stereotypes and discrimination. Using examples of bullying, discrimination at the work place on the basis of gender, race, color and culture, the Holocaust and religious fanaticism, explain how harboring a bias leads to stereotyping and in turn to discriminatory behavior.
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Explore the steps that help to reduce prejudice such as empathy training and intergroup contact. Include information about the role of legislation in ensuring fair treatment.
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End your essay with a summary of the concepts you have discussed in the body of the essay. Include a quote or an anecdote that provides an optimistic outlook on overcoming prejudice.
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