How to Combat Bigotry in Real Life

A bigoted person thinks their beliefs, culture, or background is superior to others. They judge and/or despise others based on their physical appearance, descent, gender, personal beliefs or life style.

Often when humans don’t understand something we tend to be afraid or suspicious of it, even to the point of avoidance. This leads to disconnection, fear, isolation and finally ignorance, resulting in hate.

Unfortunately even good people can be led down this bad path, triggered by experiences such as trauma, abuse, unemployment, neglect, untreated mental health conditions and even privilege. Radicalization occurs whilst searching for belonging in their life. The yearning for belonging leads them to join toxic groupings of misguided others.

To combat bigotry in real life, it is paramount to improve the resilience and self confidence of the troubled individual. For example, provide them with the skills to compete in the job market so they don’t have to blame the other that they have never met.

There is little point arguing with a bigot and they are unlikely to change their views. Don’t ignore or push them away however, draw them in closer, listen to their story and figure out which experiences led them down this dark path. Provide them with the tools and resources necessary to overcome these situations.

Receiving compassion and empathy from the very people they least deserved it from will help change them for the best. Find someone undeserving of your compassion and give it to them, for those are the people who need it most.