What are prejudices and why are they so difficult to recognise?

Grab yourself by the nose

Many people like to believe they are objective and rational in their decisions and judgments. However, what happens when they come to the realization that they are not free from prejudice? This can lead to an eye-opening moment. Even when individuals assess situations analytically and rationally, they may discover that they too harbor unconscious biases.

Personal realisation: The moment of insight

Many people may feel firmly convinced of their correctness and use logical arguments to support and defend their viewpoints. However, after intense discussions, they might realize that something is amiss. They may have unconsciously placed themselves on a pedestal, viewing themselves as ‘in the right’ while devaluing opposing perspectives. It is often only in hindsight, after reflecting on the situation from a distance, that individuals recognize the presence of prejudice in their thinking.

Self-reflection: Why prejudices often go unnoticed

Prejudices often work subtly and unnoticed. They hide behind supposedly logical arguments and a feeling of superiority or being in the right. But why do some topics or situations trigger us so much? Why do we feel attacked or react defensively? Asking reflective questions can be vital after examining one's reactions. Self-reflection plays a crucial role in identifying blind spots, particularly regarding topics that evoke strong emotions.

Prejudices are preconceived opinions or beliefs about people, groups or issues that usually arise without sufficient knowledge or actual experience. They are often based on simplified and generalised ideas that describe certain characteristics or attributes to a group of people or situations without taking individual diversity into account. Prejudices can be positive or negative, but in most cases they have a restrictive and pejorative effect.

Why are prejudices difficult to recognise?

1. Unconscious development:

Prejudices are often deeply rooted in our subconscious and develop over years through the influence of social norms, media, upbringing and personal experiences. As they are unconscious, we often do not even recognise them as prejudices, but consider them to be part of our normal way of thinking.

2. Self-confirming mechanism:

Another problem is that prejudices are reinforced by selective perception. People tend to percive information in such a way that it confirms their existing beliefs. For example, if someone has a negative preconception about a certain group of people, they will tend to see only the behaviours that support that preconception and block out contrary information.

3. Emotional attachment:

Prejudices are often associated with emotions. They are used to cope with insecurities or fears by making the world seem easier and more controllable. Because these emotions are so strong, it can be difficult to question prejudices, as this could trigger unpleasant feelings.

Prejudice can trigger a wide range of emotions, including fear, insecurity, aggression, anger, shame, guilt, sadness, disappointment, confusion, disgust, frustration as well as compassion and empathy, illustrating the complexity and impact of prejudice on individual and interpersonal experience.

4. Supposed rationality:

Prejudices often hide behind the appearance of rationality. They often seem like logical conclusions or objective judgements because they are embedded in social narratives that sound plausible. This can lead to people not recognising their own prejudices as such because they are supposedly based on ‘facts’ or ‘experiences’.

5. Group membership:

Prejudices are often shared by one's own social group, which normalises them and makes them appear socially acceptable. If everyone around us has similar prejudices, we find it harder to recognise them as problematic or wrong. They become part of the group's shared reality and give us a sense of belonging and security.

6. Selbst-image:

Many people have a positive self-image and see themselves as objective and reasonable. Questioning prejudices would mean examining your own self-image and perhaps realising that you are not as unbiased as you thought. This contradiction can be uncomfortable, which is why many prejudices go unnoticed.

My Conclusion

Prejudices can be difficult to recognize, as they are often deeply embedded in our thought patterns, provide a sense of emotional security, and are normalized within society or social groups. They challenge individuals to examine their habitual ways of thinking, which can be uncomfortable and demanding. It is through conscious self-reflection, seeking external perspectives, and actively working to expand one’s understanding that prejudices can gradually be uncovered and dismantled. Ultimately, this process can lead to greater self-awareness. Coming to terms with one’s own prejudices is a challenging yet rewarding journey that can positively impact both personal growth and interpersonal relationships.

The value of a change of perspecitve: How does the outside view help?

Questioning one’s own point of view can be challenging. However, examining a situation from an external perspective and asking different questions can provide new insights. In a non-judgmental exchange, reflecting on one’s own reactions can reveal defensive attitudes. Such conversations often compel individuals to reassess their beliefs. This shift allows for a reduction in pressure, highlighting that the goal is not to be 'right' but to gain a deeper understanding of other perspectives and situations.

What happens to you?

- Self-reflection: Examining one's thought patterns and emotions is essential for self-awareness. This process often reveals that individuals may not be as objective as they previously believed. Such realizations can lead to cognitive dissonance, as they require questioning established patterns of thinking.

- Vulnerability and growth: Embracing vulnerability can create opportunities for personal growth. This process often leads to an expanded awareness and fosters greater empathy and openness.

- Self-acceptance: The process can illuminate one’s own weaknesses and blind spots, highlighting areas for potential growth and development. It may also reveal aspects of the self that have been repressed or neglected, which need to be acknowledged and integrated.

What happens to the other person?

- More respect and understanding: Recognizing personal prejudices allows for greater respect and openness towards others. This shift can result in fewer conflicts and foster a more open dialogue.

- Resolving tensions: A changed attitude can help reduce tensions and foster trust, leading to deeper conversations.

- Learning together: Self-reflection can inspire others to reconsider their own perspectives. Both parties benefit from questioning prejudices and dismantling barriers. Confronting personal biases fosters not only individual growth but also deeper relationships. By embracing openness and empathy, conflicts can be reduced, and more honest dialogue can be encouraged.

Dealing with prejudices: How can we work on them?

Breaking down prejudices requires awareness and work. IThe process begins with self-honesty: recognizing when one reacts in an emotional or derogatory manner and identifying which issues trigger strong defensive responses. The next step involves actively empathizing with others by considering their perspectives. Engaging in conversations with individuals who have different experiences can be immensely valuable. Additionally, questioning one's own knowledge and remaining open to personal development are essential components of this journey.

The path to self-reflection and change

Prejudices are human, but that does not mean that we are at their mercy.

Recognizing and addressing personal biases is a process that fosters greater openness, awareness, and ultimately balance. An important lesson is that self-reflection, particularly during emotionally charged moments, serves as a key to deeper understanding of oneself and others. This is a journey that can be continuously pursued.