Prejudice

PREJUDICE HANDOUT- RACISM

* Commonly; "prejudice" refers to a negative or hostile attitude toward another social group, usually racially defined. "Discrimination", on the other hand, refers to an unfavorable action, behavior, outcome, or treatment. The distinction is simple: prejudice is a thought or attitude; discrimination is the expression of that thought or attitude. However, prejudice does NOT automatically lead to discrimination. There is no one-to-one relationship. Prejudice can exist without discrimination, and discrimination can occur without prejudice. The two are related, but not in a strong causal relationship. Also, the institutions of society can discriminate (institutional discrimination) even though the agency is not staffed by people with prejudices. Prejudice and discrimination can take place on the basis of race (physical characteristics like skin color) or ethnicity (traditions, cultural practices, outlooks). Racism is prejudice and/or discrimination based on socially significant physical distinctions. What is made socially significant in racial prejudice is the opinion or attitude that automatically assumes superiority and inferiority based on racial differences.

In the UK, the main law dealing with racial discrimination is the Race Relations Act 1976, which was recently amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. European Union law (which the UK has also agreed to) includes a Race Directive which makes discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin unlawful in: employment, training, education, access to social security and health care, social advantages, access to goods and services, and housing.

* It's not about white against black, or black against white. It's about origins, roots, religion, and not being accepted for who you are. A racist is someone who picks on someone or treats them badly because they view them as different and unequal. Often racists focus on people who are visibly different, for example, Black or Asian people.

* Racism can also include prejudice against ethnic, cultural and national differences. Irish Travelers, Romanian asylum seekers, Gypsies and eastern Europeans all experience serious discrimination and racism. They are white but may dress in a distinct way, speak a different language or act differently in a racist's eyes.

* Sometimes people who don't consider themselves prejudiced make fun of someone's accent or birthplace. Although it is easy to go along with a joke at someone else's expense, this can make them feel hurt and isolated. If you have to make someone feel small to get a laugh, may be you just aren't that funny...

* Racist attacks and violence are serious criminal offences and must be reported to the police. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 created new 'racially aggravated offences', such as harassment, assault, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damages, which carry significantly higher penalties. It is also a criminal offence under the Public Order Act 1986 to use threatening, abusive or insulting language or behavior in order to stir up racial hatred. This includes distributing racist leaflets. All suspected criminal offences and any racist incident should be reported to the police.

Mark Wilberforce aged 22 lives in London. His parents are from Ghana,