Journal+5

1. Why do people tend to make fun of those who are in some way different? Do you believe this tendency is stronger in adults or children? Why?

2. Imagine which kind of insult would provoke you the most. An insult about... Explain which insult is most offensive to you and why.
 * your appearance or dress
 * your character or actions
 * a friend or family member
 * your beliefs

3. Give examples of prejudice (this can be a list). What are the most common types in your community? Your school? Explain why prejudice is destructive, perhaps citing specific examples you've heard of or witnessed. Have you ever experienced any sort of prejudice?

1. I believe that this is due to the fact that they have been brought up in culture that ridicules and is intolerant towards differences, and promotes acting and dressing with what's "in". I think the tendency is more common in children because they have not yet embraced the necessity for people to be different, as well, at the young age they are at they may have extremely high egos, and all who are not like them may be seen as weird, or bad. I do think though that the intolerance in adults is definitely stronger and less susceptible to change.

2. I think I would be most offended by an insult regarding my beliefs and my family members. This is because I hold my values quite strongly. One key example of this is my core fundamental belief in the virtue of hard work and persistence. I truly believe (even though it may sound cliche) all things can be achieved through hard work. People who say that someone will never be able to do something, or that someone will always be better than another person due to natural talent, really offend me. Obviously an insult to my family members would also be taken personally, since most times the person really doesn't who they're talking about.

3. Prejudice is destructive because it is a rash generalization of someone without any personal knowledge of that individual. These preconceived notions are then pretty much used as the main tool for "understanding" another human being which will ultimately lead to a more intolerant society. Thus, creating more segregation, violence, and unfair treatment. Though not extremely offensive, I was subject to playful prejudice by a friend who for no apparent reason believed I was an "outstanding ping-pong player".
 * Blonds are dumb
 * Women aren't as good as men
 * Asians and Mexicans are all illegal immigrants who come and try to steal jobs
 * Black people are good at sports