Reply #60: They

[LatteLibertine]

have no real concrete concept of self or other yet. The mind of a young child is incomplete in many ways. While I'm discussing the very young I might add this is a crucial time for them to be taught empathy and conscience. Many of our sociopaths that aren't simply genetically flawed come from having a lack of these.

Folks that believe bias towards your own perceived group and xenophobia towards the perceived outsider are exclusive to low income white people in the United State are poor students of both history and man.

The issue is complex and there is no one single answer. Is some bias taught? Absolutely, and the history of our evolution from a tribal state can not be dismissed. It definitely played a role in the fashioning of our lower/early mind. Again, I use the history of all people and cultures across the globe as support for my belief. This behavior consistently manifests regardless of land or time. BTW citing theses things is not meant to justify the behavior. In this modern world it should be worked against and I believe it can be overcome. It was likely an early survival mechanism.

You can see some of these tendencies play out in organized sports today. Look at the way some attach to "their team" and how they often have at least one "hated" rival.

I believe we can be better than our history. I believe we can evolve. People need to be encouraged to resist things that lead them to dehumanize the other. They should be encouraged to have empathy for the other or the "outsider" and attempt to see their shared common humanity. Bigotry, prejudice and racism are human problems not exclusive to any one group. Until they are tackled as such, you'll see little progress.

I want to see these things improve and they never will without open honest dialog. Blame shifting needs to be abandoned and open civil discourse needs to be practiced. If you truly dislike these things then work against people practicing them within your group against those that are outside. It shouldn't suddenly become acceptable when they're "on your side".