Prejudice and Aggression

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses racial prejudice and cultural prejudice and exposes the myth behind "benign" prejudice and racial pride. The paper then reveals that prejudice is often displaced aggression; aggression-prone individuals express their repressed rage in their treatment of other less powerful individuals. The paper looks at the history of prejudice in American society in contrast to American society today that has publicly embraced the concepts of tolerance and diversity. The paper points out, however, that it is difficult to conceive of the complete eradication of all forms of prejudice until the concept of benign prejudice is no longer considered more acceptable than overt prejudice.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Types of Prejudice
The Myth of "Benign" Prejudice
Aggression in Society
Aggression and Prejudice
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Prejudice is a predictable human tendency that exists in myriad forms in virtually all social cultures. Typically, prejudice derives from some of the same atavistic and xenophobic natural impulses that played some protective role in evolutionary times, much like aggressive impulses. In modern society, the aggressive impulses are largely kept in check by secular laws, but still find expression in various ways.
"To a large extent, overt prejudice and so-called "benign" prejudice derive from the exact same sentiments although that view may conflict with popular sentiment. In reality, the primary difference between overt and benign (or "passive") prejudice may relate to different levels of aggression more than any fundamental differences between them. In that regard, various behavioral clues having to do with aggression levels in the individual may correspond to a greater propensity toward one or the other even given the same underlying sentiments."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Friedman, A. (2005) A History of American Law. New York: Touchstone.
• Gerrig, R.J., Zimbardo, R.G. (2005) Psychology and Life 18th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Henslin, J.M. (2002) Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. Boston: Allyn and Bacon
• Macionis, J.J. (2003) Sociology 9th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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