Understanding Prejudice

This well-organized and thought-provoking program starts off by defining prejudice as something that identifies what is and isn't acceptable to the majority (usually leaving the minority at a disadvantage) and then explores origins and effects (including despair, shame, and anger). The film points out that prejudice is often learned by example, with factors such as fear, gender relations, and advertising often coming into play. Understanding Prejudice also discusses the ways in which people are treated when they differ from the norm and the challenges involved in choosing to become mainstream or to embrace the “differences.” Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller provides solid commentary, with additional insights emerging from a discussion among college students, as well as a disabled woman who thinks her aides didn't like the fact that she would not stay in her “place” and opted to take charge of her own affairs. Despite some banally staged vignettes about bullying and other behaviors, Understanding Prejudice offers useful observations about how we all differ and conveys the message that it's never too late to learn tolerance, reminding viewers that “prejudice narrows your world.” Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Williams-Wood)