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How prejudice caused by stereotypes affects people’s lives daily

Luisa Fogel

Does prejudice affect you in your daily life constantly? Prejudice is indeed intensified by stereotypes, and has profound implications on people's lives and their daily interactions and experiences. Everyone has some mental shortcuts called "heuristics" that help us navigate the world, but sometimes they can lead us to make damaging assumptions about others, which is, in other words, prejudice. To comprehend the  context of hate crimes and unlawful behavior created by prejudice, a research report led by Professor Dominic Abrams and his team at the University of Kent looked into the complexities of social categorization and its consequences. This research shows how prejudice influences individuals' perceptions and actions, illuminating their connections between societal attitudes and discriminatory behaviors.

At its core, prejudice operates as a bias that devalues individuals based on their perceived membership in a social group and innate qualities, and this idea is called "essentialism".  This devaluation reduces their worth as well as their status within society, leading to various forms of discrimination. These biases manifest in both explicit and subtle ways, such as age-related stereotypes affecting older individuals. For instance, older adults often face misconceptions about their cognitive abilities, despite evidence showcasing their valuable contributions to society, such as senior judges handling significant judicial responsibilities. These stereotypes not only impact individual self-perception but also have far-reaching consequences for society, potentially depriving it of the wisdom and expertise older adults can offer. People can feel bad because of what was said to them, leading to insecurities or even worse, depression and other mental/ health problems.

The impact of prejudice extends beyond individual interactions, diffusing through society's attitudes and behaviors. Research highlights the diverse forms of prejudice experienced by different groups, revealing alarming trends. Muslims, for instance, frequently encounter prejudiced attitudes, often linked to perceived cultural threats, while age-related stereotypes create barriers for older individuals. Negative expectations about older adults' capabilities can take away their motivation, limiting their engagement in activities vital for their well-being. Moreover, ageist beliefs may overlook the valuable insights and experiences older adults bring, obstructing the societal benefits of their contributions. Addressing these stereotypes becomes imperative to encourage a more inclusive society.

Understanding the profound effects of stereotypes on behavior and judgment is crucial to tear down prejudice. Social psychologists have extensively studied the impact of stereotypes, revealing their power to shape interactions and bring out behaviors consistent with those stereotypes. Not only do those biases influence how individuals perceive others, but also affect the behavior of those holding stereotypes. Recognizing the complex interplay between societal attitudes, discriminatory behaviors, along with individual self-perception is vital. By challenging stereotypes and promoting accurate understanding, society can pave the way for a more empathetic and just coexistence, where individuals are valued for their qualities rather than prejudiced assumptions. 

In conclusion, the influence of prejudice, many times sustained by stereotypes, affects society in many aspects, impacting individuals' perceptions and interactions. This bias, present in social categorization, underrated people based on their group affiliations, leading to discrimination and harmful consequences, including mental health issues. The repercussions of prejudice are evident in different ways, perpetuating negative perceptions about people. Researchers emphasize the need to challenge these stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society. But is this actually possible? Can society break these biases to create a more empathetic and just coexistence for everyone?