Question

Kristy was raised by parents with deep-seated racism toward those from other cultures. She internalized their beliefs, and now they are her own as well. Kristy belongs to several White supremacy social media groups and posts a number of racist comments online. A close friend challenges Kristy’s behavior, pointing out that she’s making generalizations about an entire group. Is this likely to change Kristy’s behavior?

Answer 1

Challenging Kristy's racist beliefs may be difficult as they are deeply ingrained and supported by systemic issues. Understanding the difference between racism and prejudice and addressing underlying beliefs can be key in addressing such behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Challenging someone's deep-seated racist beliefs, like those of Kristy, can be a complex process. Issues of racism and prejudice are rooted in a combination of societal influence, personal experience, and internalized beliefs. Prejudice often starts as a stereotype, an overgeneralized assumption about a group, and can lead to biased actions and discrimination.

There is a distinction between racism and prejudice; racism involves the belief in one's racial superiority and may involve power dynamics, whereas prejudice can exist without this element of power. Changing Kristy's behavior may require more than just pointing out generalizations; it may necessitate a profound and ongoing engagement with her underlying beliefs and a confrontation of the systemic racism that supports such ideologies.