Prejudice: More Than Black and White

Prejudice: More than Black and White argues convincingly that most individuals (even those who think of themselves as unbiased and tolerant) inadvertently hold negative attitudes about some people or cultural groups—harboring unrecognized prejudice that can lead to discrimination. University researchers (from Harvard and Princeton, among other institutions) explore the question of whether prejudice is a learned trait or part of human nature, reminding viewers that to some degree prejudice is innate, since the brain characteristically reacts to the unfamiliar with fear and caution. Prejudice traces a brief history of stereotypes and prejudice in America from the 19th-century immigrant era up to the present day, noting that prejudice continues to flourish, even in institutions of higher learning, where students form exclusive groups while developing their sense of identity in relationship to the surrounding culture. African-Americans, Hispanics, Muslims, Catholics, Italian-Americans, and a deaf man talk about their experiences with discrimination, while members of a Baptist church in Atlanta whose leadership chose to accept homosexuality discuss the consequences of that decision. The program also looks at current efforts to help students recognize their own hidden attitudes, such as the work of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) or Harvard's Project Implicit, which offers free web-based tests for uncovering unconscious prejudices. Researchers believe that individuals are able to change their behaviors towards others after being made aware of their own latent preconceptions (a former Ku Klux Klan Imperial Wizard—now an activist for tolerance—serves as an example here). While this powerful program contains some inflammatory language and disturbing images, it delivers a powerful reminder that prejudice remains both widespread and insidious, and offers examples of the important ongoing work of sowing tolerance. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)