Are these negative views usually based on ignorance (lack of experience or misconceptions)? Or are they based on having had bad experiences? Or could it be both?
What would help to make it easier for most people to understand and respond appropriately?
I would say it’s as simple as one thing to several and depends on the person. Ignorance/lack of knowledge is usually a huge culprit in people’s negative view of others. It stems from not knowing and understanding. I also believe some have had negative interactions or faced a bad situation with someone who was mentally ill. Who knows how long the negative sterotyoes have existed. They’ve been passed down to the lines of generations. It takes awhile to overcome these. Some people don’t like anything or anyone different. Different isn’t acceptable to them. They don’t take the time to educate themselves and understand others.
Totally agree. I would love it if one day the notion of race became obsolete. There is no characteristic or set of characteristics in which all members of a race are either deficient or excellent. ~ I would go a step further, despite the risks of protests from believers, and assert that a more ethical way of living is possible without religion. ~ Classism is rampant. Many people hate the wealthy, yet have never met or known wealthy people. The media, psychology and Marxism have projected the images of the wealthy as psychopaths and scrooges. But classism (snobbery or inverted snobbery) is just another form of prejudice.
This post was edited by inky at September 12, 2018 7:13 AM MDT
I revel in the fact that you get it. Prejudice —of every stripe— is as fertile a parent of irrational stigma as has ever been defined. I could not in good conscience have listed either example without the others.
Mental illness was going to be my answer as well. I think a lot of it does come from ignorance and a lack of empathy. Some people just need to try a little harder to put themselves in someone else's shoes. This could help with any social stigma, really.
Sure, you no longer pee on the sidewalk, but you still don't pull your clothes down before peeing. And that thing where you take a bite of each donut and put it back do you can decide which ones you want? Please! ~
At least I stopped dunking it in my coffee before putting it back. And of course I cant pull my cloths down while I pee on the sidewalk, that would be indecent.
inky 