Final answer:
Thoughts and feelings, usually negative, about an ethnic or racial group are referred to as prejudice. It is a negative attitude formed based on membership in a particular group, differing from stereotypes, which are oversimplified generalizations. Prejudice can lead to discrimination and is related to, but distinct from, racism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thoughts and feelings about an ethnic or racial group, especially negative ones, are often referred to as prejudice. This concept is distinct from stereotypes, which are oversimplified generalizations about groups of people that may be positive but are often negative. Prejudice refers to the negative attitudes and feelings toward an individual based solely on their membership in a particular group, and can lead to discrimination—negative actions toward an individual due to their group membership. Unfortunately, acting upon such prejudices is often a socially learned behavior. Racism is a specific form of prejudice and discrimination that is based on the belief that one race is superior or inferior to others. An important part of addressing and dismantling these issues is recognizing the stereotypes and prejudices within ourselves and our culture, and actively working against them.