Outgroup

“The first thought that goes through your mind is what you have been conditioned to think; what you think next defines who you are.” This quote seems relevant as we examine the root causes of racism and what we can do about it. To understand the causes of racism, we must fully understand the definition of racism. Although it seems fairly simple to comprehend, as with most issues, there are more sides to it than it may originally seem. So, what exactly is racism? It can take on many different…

The theory I thought was best to do this paper on was the Expectancy Violation Theory created by Judee K. Burgoon. Before I continue speaking on behalf of this theory, I it would be best that I gave a little background information on Judee K. Burgoon. She is currently working at the University of Arizona as a professor of Communication, Family Studies and Human Development. She has also both written or edited 13 books and monographs. She is also accredited with developing a few communication…

Identity process theory (IPT), first conceptualized by Glynis Breakwell, is a comprehensive identity theory based on the assertion that people seek to build and sustain an identity (Breakwell, 1986; Breakwell, 2014). Identity is viewed as a dynamic structure produced by the interaction between cognitive capacities and social contexts, consisting of two dimensions: content and value (Breakwell, 1986; Breakwell, 2014). Content is the properties and characteristics believed to define oneself, such…

On the 11th of April, 2012 the State of Florida levied second-degree charges against George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The case would quickly gain national attention for nationwide protests concerning racial tensions and problems in the United States. Yet the case would bring another concern into the spotlight, the problems surrounding the idea of stand-your-ground laws. Following Florida v. Zimmerman, the then Attorney General Eric Holder would criticize…

an ingroup is a social group to which a person psychologically identifies as being a member. By contrast, an outgroup is a social group with which an individual does not identify. Current research indicates that patients are more comfortable with care providers who resemble themselves. They feel less intimidated by the process of the healthcare system when details…

minority group that, in most cases, affects an individual negatively and are not always true. A stereotyped person or group means that “they” have certain characteristics that “we”believe belong to their identified group. “They” is used to identify the outgroup and in this case black people and “we” as the ingroup, white people. Stereotypes are a way of categorizing people. This concept is explained in Social Psychology as a way of “thinking about a person not as an individual, but as a member…

Initially, I came into my undergraduate studies at St. Ambrose University looking to become an Occupational Therapist, but that goal changed once I began my undergraduate coursework. Towards the end of a semester of research methods, I became fascinated with statistics and the process of research. In biopsychology classes, I learned how wonderful and sometimes cruel the human mind could be. Occupational Therapy suddenly seemed less interesting and I began to look more seriously at pursuing a…

of self-expression and equality for all, prejudice still exists as a relevant conflict within society. Instead of the harmonious blending of cultures, there is a racial hierarchy based on the superiority of one group of people over another. This outgroup is often deemed as inferior because of their differences. Two target texts that address prejudice and how it operates to divide society are “From Rez Life: An Indian’s Journey Through Reservation Life” by David Treuer which examines the…

Masks, are items created by indigenous Cultures, Once used for Religious, Ceremonial, Ritual, used in a way to welcome and entice good spirits and ward off evil spirits, Rights of passage , Religious Offerings , Protection, and Sacrifice. Masks have had different roles throughout history and their are no limit to ways they will/have been used. The mask we use now have compromised to a psychological level. I use a mask, in fact everyone does. We use masks everyday, they are what I put my mask…

everyone to be on the same page about what hazing is and how it can be physically and mentally dangerous. Matt Donnelly discusses what hazing is in his article “Hazing”. “ Typically hazing takes the form of an initiation ritual in which members of an outgroup attempt to become members of an ingroup through secretive and often legally questionable behavior. Hazing can be categorized in three increasingly serious ways: subtle hazing, harassment hazing and bodily harm hazing.” (Donnelly). In his…