Anti-discrimination policy frames prejudice reduction as an awareness-raising problem

Evidence

Anti-discrimination recommendations are very much part of the European thinking and planning for social justice, but they routinely present the ‘solution’ as a problem of reducing prejudices by raising awareness. — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 769 (#expands, via linked claim)

Nor are religious teaching and preaching likely to be sufficient, even if we can solve these substantial problems. It is important to keep in mind one of Allport’s key observations, frequently voiced by others since. This observation is that direct, purposeful, positive interaction with and action on behalf of the targets of prejudice are more effective in reducing prejudice than is learning about prejudice (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 485) or hearing sermons about tolerance (p. 495). Even if one’s religion talks the talk of universal acceptance and compassion, this talk needs to be combined with opportunities to walk the walk. As usual, Allport (1954/1979) said it very well: “When he does something, he becomes something” (p. 509, italics in original). Only through such a combination of action and personal transformation is religion likely to unmake prejudice. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2579 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Repression of prejudice awareness backfires and leaves bias intact; Prejudice reduction efforts can suppress disadvantaged groups’ activism — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice: Society,…, 120; EU anti-racism policy reduces bias to a problem of awareness — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice: Society,…, 769 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• EU anti-racism policy reduces bias to a problem of awareness #expands (0.92) — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 769
• Prejudice-reduction programs can target structural rather than only individual-level change #complicates (0.85)
• Acting on behalf of prejudice targets beats learning about prejudice #complicates (0.83) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2579
• Prejudice reduction efforts can suppress disadvantaged groups’ activism #complicates (0.80) — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 120
• Awareness of sexist discrimination does not equal eliminating sexist oppression #complicates (0.79) — bell hooks, Ain’t I a Woman_ Black Women and…, 554
• Repression of prejudice awareness backfires and leaves bias intact #complicates (0.78)
• External pressure to suppress prejudice breeds resentment and backlash #complicates (0.76) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2125
• Behavioral discrimination persists even where attitudes lack textbook negative prejudice #complicates (0.75) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 186