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INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the world has
experienced a frightening increase in racial, religious, and
ethnic intolerance in places such as the West Bank, Bosnia, Afghanistan and central Africa.
Though the history and nature of these conflicts are distinct, all of them are fueled by,
and promote, fear, intolerance, prejudice and discrimination.
Prejudice and discrimination exist on both individual and societal levels. They are caused
by many factors, including fear, guilt, shame, ignorance, competition, and extreme nationalism.
Prejudice and discrimination have had immense consequences. They have alienated individuals from
society and caused political upheavals and economic inequality.
Though prejudice and discrimination exist throughout the world, they are not innate; they are
learned attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, there is hope. Prejudice and discrimination on both
individual and societal levels can be alleviated through education, legislation and the formation
of close interpersonal relationships.
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