The Roots of Prejudices

Parrillo states that the socialization process is about, “individuals acquire the values, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of their culture or subculture, including religion, nationality, and social class.” (RA p.514) Which is to say that part of the reason why there are prejudices are because a child will adapt the same beliefs and expectations of his or her parents without questioning. Even if a stereotype if made that is not true, our perception are shaped around it and influence how we act towards that particular group. This is to say that prejudice is simply taken from the socialization process. I think that Parrillo has a pretty accurate take of the socialization process.

I agree with what Parrillo is saying. Growing up as a child, you are taught to distinguish between right and wrong, what’s acceptable behavior in the house and what’s not in public, and if you disregard those, well, then you get a spanking. You believe everything, or at least you tell them you understand, because they said so and that heavily influences who you become as an adult. In order to make friends and to be “well liked” (as Willy would put it, anyway) you have to conform to some sort of general idea. In order to feel acceptable, you alter your opinions and are persuaded to change due to certain prejudices.