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Empathy, Prejudice, and Fostering Tolerance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2008

Kristen Renwick Monroe
Affiliation:
UC Irvine
Maria Luisa Martinez-Martí
Affiliation:
Universidad Complutense, Madrid

Extract

What is the political significance of difference? Why are ethnic, racial, or religious differences frequently politically significant while differences in height, hair color, or weight are not? Why are linguistic differences sometimes relevant politically, and other times are not salient? What about age? Gender or sexual preferences? What fosters tolerance of differences judged ethically and politically salient? What encourages respect for these differences, leading some of us to reach out across divides that isolate others? These questions take on a poignant immediacy with reports of continuing prejudice and discrimination; ongoing ethnic, religious, and sectarian violence—even genocidal activities and war; and increasing polarization over issues of race, religion, and ethnicity, at home and abroad. They are questions students need to consider as they go out into a world where they will meet new people, from diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities. How can we best prepare them for this?

Type
The Teacher
Copyright
Copyright © The American Political Science Association 2008

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