A few years back, one of my students raised a very different but relevant question: 'Do shackles of prejudice never let you come out from misconceptions? And how do people get prejudiced?' 


I knew the topic was different and difficult, so mere words could not provide a satisfactory answer. I needed something practical, so I asked the students to share their views. The way they elaborated, the discussion turned into a debate, and they got divided into two groups. 

One group was of the view that people get biased or prejudiced due to their own deeply entrenched beliefs, usually based on baseless judgments and preconceived ideas about a person or different groups of people.

On the other hand, the students were of the view that it is not merely their preconceived ideas, beliefs, judgments, and stereotypical thinking that can solely be held responsible, but often the behaviour of other people forge and forces them to become biased towards others. 

When I noticed that a few of them started making personal remarks, I immediately stopped them. In such a short duration of time, they began to make personal comments. 

There was no use at all in analysing the perceptions of others when they were failing in their own discussion. This kind of attitude became enough to create strong misconceptions and form biased opinions.

 It often happens to those who believe or understand only one way of thinking, which is 'I, me, and myself.' I further explained to them that it happened because they didn't wish to accept this simple fact. All of us have our opinions or notions to share, and we have no right to seize their reasoning power.",

Anyhow, this fact can never be ignored: we all have approximately 1.4 kg (brain). There is nothing like superiority. Therefore, it is not only our duty to show respect for others' opinions but also to provide enough space for their stances to maintain the decorum of a healthy society.

It has been seen, that these misconceptions fail to create a broad-minded worldview, which is necessary for individuals to perceive the reality of others and understand their true personality. 

The tendency to generalize things based on limited information works as a fierce cycle where individuals hold biased views that are strengthened by their preferences and experiences. 

If these kinds of tendencies get developed often fail to sense the intricacy and combination of individuals and cultures, leading to misconceptions. poor people, become victims of biased statements.

Mostly it has been observed, that the shackles of prejudice get so powerful they are not broken easily, even the social norms, cultural traditions, and systemic biases. Society often supports stereotypes and assigns certain traits or behaviours to specific groups, further cementing misconceptions. 

If one wishes to free from these shackles requires an eagerness to challenge one's own convictions, make oneself learn about different cultures and groups of people, and engage in meaningful relation with those who are different from oneself. 

It takes self-reflection, compassion, and a broad perspective to overcome prejudice and come out from misunderstandings.

Several measures can be enforced, if one is really interested in addressing and tackling misconceptions that stem from prejudice. A few of them are discussed below -:

Education and Awareness -:

We all know, that facilitating education and awareness programs highlights the level of diversity and the harmful effects of intolerance. It is required, to promote a learning environment that motivates to think critically about empathy, and open-mindedness.

Role of Media -:

We have to accept the truth that media plays a pivotal and informative role in challenging stereotypes and providing more proportional and practical images of different cultures, and identities. 

Therefore authentic and fair representation of diverse groups in the media should not only encouraged, but it is also expected from them not to be biased at any cost.

Meaningful Interpersonal Relation-: 

 fair communication between people from different backgrounds should be enhanced and encouraged. Those who come from positive backgrounds or experiences can help dispel misconceptions and nurture understanding and compassion. An open and healthy dialogue between two individuals and groups can make things easy. 

You have to be tolerant of those who hold different beliefs because they have the right to do so it becomes a duty to give due respect to their opinion. 

It's good to give voice to your notions, but without losing an opportunity to listen to others. Because a good listener can always be a good speaker. It will help to check fallacies and misconceptions. 


Implementation of Policies -: 

Procedures and different strategies that save against intolerance and prejudice in various environments, such as workplaces, schools, and public areas. 

Always try to create those laws that should ensure equal opportunities and impersonal potion for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Compassion and Emotional Intelligence-: 

Promote sympathy and emotional intellect as important qualities in individuals and societies Encouraging people to seek understanding and affection can help mitigate misunderstandings and discrimination.

Personal Contemplation-:

 Always keep encouraging individuals to reflect on their preferences and prejudices. Self-awareness is crucial in identifying and addressing misconceptions and challenging entrenched assumptions.

It is also very important to notice how these measures should be taken to implement them as part of comprehensive and persistent attempts. 

Conclusion-:

Removing the unfounded challenges of misconceptions and prejudice requires an ongoing process of education and a commitment to facilitating a more inclusive and passive society.

 It is necessary to accept that all individuals deserve to be noticed and respected for who they are, rather than being judged based on their stereotypes or assumptions.

 Everyone has a right to shape themselves based on their experiences and backgrounds. Simply hard work and conviction to break free from these shackles of prejudice are desired to create a more inclusive and flexible society.