The key difference between prejudice and bigotry is that while prejudice is a milder version, bigotry is an extreme stance. So, even though the words, bigotry, and prejudice are used interchangeably, these are two different words. Bigotry can be defined as intolerance towards individuals or beliefs. Such a person is considered as a bigot. On the other hand, prejudice can be defined as an opinion that is not based on reason or experience. Prejudice usually refers to a prejudgment that an individual has. This can be based on race, class, nationality, sex, etc. This article attempts to highlight the differences between the two words while providing a sound understanding of each word.
What is Bigotry?
The word bigotry is used to refer to a state of intolerance. This can be due to the religion, sex, sexual orientation, class, race, etc. A bigot is very devoted to his beliefs and looks upon those who hold opposing views with intolerance and hatred. For example, if an individual is very much devoted to his ethnic group, but hates other ethnic groups and looks at them with hatred and intolerance such an individual can be considered as a bigot.
Bigotry creates a negative atmosphere within the society. This is mainly because a bigot fails to empathize with people from other groups. His blind faith and extreme devotion make him intolerant of other beliefs and groups.
What is Prejudice?
Prejudice can be defined as a negative attitude towards an individual or a group of people. This is usually not based on reason or experience. Prejudice can further be understood as a dislike or unfair behavior based on such opinions. There are a number of features of prejudice. They are negative feelings, stereotypic beliefs and a tendency to discriminate others. Prejudice can be based on a number of factors such as sex, race, age, sexual orientation, nationality, socio-economic status, and even religion. These result in different types of prejudice. They are,
- Sexism
- Racism
- Nationalism
- Classicism
- Agism
- Religious prejudice
When prejudice occurs, it can lead to stereotyping and discrimination of people. The psychologist Gordon Allport points out that prejudice emerges in part as a result of normal human thinking. In our day today life, people create different categories in their mind. This categorization of information assists human beings to make sense of the world. Allport further explains that it is these categorizations that form the basis for prejudice. People cannot avoid this process as orderly living is very much reliant on this process.
Let us look at some examples of prejudice. When focusing on the difference between males and females, also referred to as sexism within the context of prejudice, ideas such as women are weak or dependent are prejudgments that we have. Being prejudiced can affect human relationships and also the manner of our interactions in the society.
Prejudice is a negative attitude towards a group of people
What is the difference between Bigotry and Prejudice?
• Definitions of Bigotry and Prejudice:
• Bigotry can be defined as intolerance towards individuals or beliefs. Such a person is considered as a bigot.
• Prejudice can be defined as an opinion that is not based on reason or experience.
• Areas:
• Both prejudice and bigotry can arise in relation to sex, religion, class, race, nationality, etc.
• Causes:
• Bigotry is a result of extreme devotion and blind faith.
• Prejudice is a result of mental categorization of information.
• Involving Factors:
• Bigotry involves intolerance.
• Prejudice involves a negative prejudgment of an individual or a group.
• Severity:
• Bigotry is much more severe than prejudice.
Images Courtesy:
- Bigotry by John Nakamura Remy (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Black and White by Con-struct (CC BY-SA 3.0)