It would be very easy and fair to think cynically in regard this topic. I like to play the devil 's advocate from time to time (spurs some interesting discussions) but I think that prejudice at this point in time is on the decline. Social media websites such as twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc. has opened new avenues for people from all walks of life to converse and build relationships. A lot is animosity toward certain groups stem from misunderstandings. Take the abortion debate for example. Regardless of which side one leans, it is true to say that both have agreeable stances. However, many debates will see pro-lifer accuse a pro-chooser of being pro-abortion and a pro-chooser retorts by accusing pro-lifer for being against freedom. By that anecdote, I 've just demonstrated that crux of prejudice and hatred comes from people who fail to think from the viewpoints of others. With social media, people who would have otherwise never met are given a chance to understand each other.
For as much as I may rave about the gap social media bridges between culturally different individuals, it is without its drawbacks. Social media also allows for anonymity where people can hide behind their smartphones and spew hate fueled rhetoric without fear of …show more content…
What I would do combat prejudice in a classroom setting is by trying to understand the point of view of the person exhibiting prejudice. As I mentioned previously. I enjoy playing devil 's advocate. I do not think that a prejudiced person is automatically illogical and without merit. However, I see prejudiced people as those who have views that are harmful to society. Bear with me as I make a seemingly outlandish comparison. Let 's say a snake bit you twice within a month moving to Florida. You could not be blamed if you avoided and feared snakes thereafter. However, if say you 've only ever met two Native Americans in your life. In both meetings, the individual has ended up with your wallet in his possession. For the functioning of society, it is better to look at those incidents as isolated and not symptomatic of Native Americans propensity to steal wallets. Humans are much more complex organisms to be pigeonholed into a solitary stereotype. By understanding how people think (however bigoted), I can get a glimpse to what they value and how he/she thinks. Just as I would give respect to a bigot to share his views, I would then provide my take on the subject and hopefully we would arrive at an