Final answer:
Groups often mistreat individuals who stand out due to in-group and out-group dynamics, leading to exclusion and torment stemming from prejudices and the desire for conformity. Education and positive imagined interactions with diverse groups can reduce prejudicial attitudes and promote inclusivity. Individual differences can become a source of strength and achievement despite these challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groups of people, such as Margot's classmates, often mistreat individuals who stand out, like Margot, because of dynamics related to in-groups and out-groups. Individuals who stand out may challenge the status quo or the uniformity that groups often cling to for identity and cohesion. This challenge can lead to individuals being excluded or tormented as the group attempts to maintain its boundaries. An example of this kind of dynamic can be seen in cases of prejudice and discrimination, where people are mistreated based solely on their membership in a particular social group.
Many times, individuals are pressured to conform to group norms to avoid being singled out and possibly excluded. Being different can sometimes spark jealousy or insecurity in others, leading to discrimination. This can be driven by stereotypes and may result in a self-fulfilling prophecy where the excluded individual behaves as the group expects, often to their detriment. On the contrary, sometimes individuals find strength in their uniqueness, and it can spur them to achieve great things despite the negative treatment they might receive from their peers or society at large.
To reduce prejudice, education and positive interactions with diverse groups are essential. Imagined interactions with different groups can also have a positive impact on reducing prejudiced attitudes. This approach can help foster a more inclusive environment where individual differences are celebrated rather than condemned.