Prejudice and Discrimination - Coursework Example

Module Prejudice and Discrimination There is a need to reduce the prevalence of prejudice and discrimination across the world. These are two vices that have been escalating over the years. Many people have been victims of the two vices, due to the nature of humans and developed stereotypes in the world. Stereotypes damage communication between humans, as they change the perception of an individual towards other individuals. For example, instances of racial profiling have been reported to increase in the world. This is in concern to the rising cases of terror attacks in the world. Most of the attackers involved in terrorist activities are of the Arab and Muslim origin. As such, the world has formed a stereotype, which affects people from the Arab and Muslim origin. The people who are affected have little to do in combating the situation. Apparently, the government agencies that deal with security have also been involved in racial profiling, as they at times believe in the stereotypes (Jones 12). In most cases, people of Arab and Muslim origin find it hard to travel in airports and harbors, as they are a point of focus. They are often humiliated, as they are searched thoroughly. In some instances, they have to go through security checks, which other people do not have to go through. Many people have come out to complain about the issue, as they are treated harshly. At some point, people of the Arab and Muslim origin are detained in the airports, pending identification. It should be noted that people of the Arab nature have similar names, due to their affiliated culture. Therefore, when the names look similar, they are subjected to exceedingly tough screening, as they unravel their identity. This can be termed as legalized discrimination, as the people are subjected to extreme situation. Although the government is justified in the doing so, there is a need to stratify the screening and security checks, in that there is reduced racial discrimination. Communication is an aspect that should be embraced in a fighting prejudice and discrimination. When people communicate with each other, the chances of discrimination and prejudice are highly reduced. For example, there is a need to unravel the stereotypes that enhance racial discrimination and prejudice. First, people should learn to communicate with others, in highlighting the situation. It is noted that Muslim clerics and scholars have come out strongly to condemn terrorist activities, which are prevalent in the world. This is a prudent approach in ensuring stereotypes associated with Muslims, particularly of Arab nature are reduced (Chin 6). Secondly, the affected people should engage the society in highlighting their plight, especially when it comes to discrimination and prejudice. For example, in some residential areas, people of a particular origin are dominant. Their dominance in the residential area is a proof that discrimination is prevalent in the world. For example, in the United States, some places are dominated by people from a particular origin. When they are dominant in such places, other people from different origins feel the odds of living in such places. At times, the dominance of people from a particular origin is instigated by discrimination. For example, some Native Americans feel that people from other origins should live in isolated areas, as they have a different culture and social setup. Therefore, mingling with such people will bring cultural erosion. To combat such, the people from other origins are not allowed to mingle or stay with natives. This enhances prejudice and discrimination, as the people from a different origin feel shortchanged. However, when there is effective personal communication in such instances, the issue of prejudice and discrimination will be annihilated. People from different origins will understand the needs of the other people, which will enhance cohesion. However, when there is not communication, the chances of cohesion are minimized. On the other hand, the society will not understand the needs of other people from other origins. As a result, they will still enhance the stereotypes and myths they have. Ultimately, the issue of discrimination and prejudice will still be prevalent, as the communities from different origins will hardly associate with each other. In essence, there is a need for communication, as it will help solve the problems of prejudice and discrimination. Discrimination and prejudice in sports has been on the rise. However, with changes in personal and administrative communication, the situation has significantly improved. In the early centuries, many African Americans were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. Although many African-Americans had the talent to play in MLB, they were not given the chance. As an option, they were allowed to play in Negro leagues. This situation was frustrating to African Americans, as they did not have a chance to prove their talent. Although the situation seemed not to change, people who were light-skinned were given an opportunity to play in the MLB. This included Hispanic and Hawaii origin players. The acceptance of light-skinned people still shows the prevalence of discrimination. It is noted that the administration of the MLB had a “gentleman’s agreement” that meant a tacit approach to management of baseball. This is where the black players were not allowed to play in the MLB. Although this was not a written policy, it was understood by the management. To rectify the situation, Jack Robinson was out spoken and determined to end the discrimination (Jones 14). Through his communication, there was immense change in the history of baseball. Until 1950, players of African origin were not allowed to –play. However, this changed when Robinson started playing for Brooklyn Dodgers. This brought changer in baseball, as many other talented African American players started getting involved in the sport. Through his effective communication, the administration of the league understood that discrimination is vice that should be annihilated. Strangely, after the change in terms of discrimination, many African American players started making a numerous teams to play in the sport. After some time, the number of African American players in MLB exceeded the other players from different origins (Chin 13). In such an incidence, it is openly noted that communication to the administration and people involved in the game is a perfect way of ending discrimination. However, some instances are still experienced in concern to discrimination. Many people are fanatics of football, while others are ardent supporters. However, the sport is marred with cases of discrimination. First, Mario Balotelli is one of the footballers that have experienced the extent of discrimination while playing football. Apparently, Balotelli communicated clearly, that he would shoot anyone that would be involved in discrimination in the 2010 world cup. This was a form of communication, as many people understood the idea. In fact, the instances of discrimination in the football cup were unheard. Secondly, Prince Boateng is a footballer that was racially abused while playing football. To make the communication clear, the player stopped the football match, as he coerced other players to walk out of the pitch. This led to communication from the football governing body, as it soiled the image of the sport (Oskamp 13). This was effective, as cases of discrimination were reduced. Thirdly, in the recent times, Barcelona player Dani Alves was discriminated during a march. A fan threw a banana at Alves, as a form or racial discrimination. However, the reaction of the player showed effective communication to people who discriminate others. The player ate the banana, to show that discrimination does not have a place in the society. This particular incident proves that there is a need to communicate on the issue of discrimination. When people have information on the effects of discrimination and prejudice, they all try to avoid discriminating other people. This will prove that the society is an all-inclusive place for people, irrespective of the origin. Gender discrimination is an aspect that has been prevail.ing in the world for a long time. First, most females at both formal and informal workplaces are discriminated, due to their gender (Chin 17). As such, they feel out of place, which may lead to prejudice. At times, this leads to inferiority, as the females feel mediocre. This has affected the performance of many people at the work place, as they lack concentration on the most important aspects of their job. In some instances, female workers resign duty, as they feel the immense pressure of discrimination. For example, in some work places, the male gender is dominant. This leads to sexual harassment, as the males take advantage of the females in the office. This adversely affects an individual, as the individual tries to look for ultimate solutions. On the other hand, male gender discrimination happens in home and family environs (Jones 15). This is where respect is accorded to female gender, while the males are treated ordinarily. This has affected many men, as they feel out of place. For example, divorce cases in the world have been on the rise. Apparently, when it comes to divorce and separation, the females are given priority to be custodians of the children. This is a form of discrimination to males, as the society feels they do not have the instincts of being custodians of children. Therefore, there is a need to enhance personal communication in such instances. It should be communicated that gender balance will enhance the society. It should be communicated that all genders are equal, irrespective of their place in society (Oskamp 17). A similar aspect involves age discrimination, where people are denied an opportunity due to their age. For example, some students are denied a chance in a particular class due to their age. At times, this is irrespective of their performance. In conclusion, discrimination and prejudice is a prevalent vice in the current world. Many people face discrimination in their daily lives, which affects the linkage with society. At times, discrimination and prejudice disintegrates the society. However, there is a need to focus on interpersonal communication, which should also involve communication to administrative units. This is a perfect way of solving the situation, as the governing bodies are in a better position to deal with the issue. With effective communication, the situation will have a number of options geared towards finding a lasting solution. Conversely, without constant communication to unravel the situation, the prevalence of the vice will increase. Works Cited Chin, Jean L. The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Westport, Conn: Praeger Publishers, 2004. Print. Jones, James M. The Psychology of Diversity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism. Chichester, West Sussex : Wiley Blackwell 2014. Print. Oskamp, Stuart. Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis, 2013. Print. Read More