Why Do So Many People Reject Difference?

[ChristineES]

A lot of people in the world out there seem to have an aversion to differences in others. Difference in ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation, etc.

Why do you suppose that is? Why don't we all just look at the similarities and ignore the differences? Why do people ostracized people who are special needs- physically and mentally?

 

[Sunstone]

Immaturity might be one reason. During our teen years, most of us seem to feel a desire to conform to our peer's behavior and expectations. At that time in our lives, rejecting differences is to some extent natural. Perhaps rejecting differences latter on in life is a carry over from those years. A kind of refusal to grow up.

 

[dgirl1986]

I think part of it is instinct. Thnk back to tribe days, if smeone who dressed differently and didnt speak their language arrived...would they be on their guard or welcome them with open arms?

 

[Sunstone]

I think part of it is instinct. Thnk back to tribe days, if smeone who dressed differently and didnt speak their language arrived...would they be on their guard or welcome them with open arms?

Instinct is almost certainly part of it. I recall studies done on six month old babies that seemed to indicate the babies were already prejudiced against people who spoke with an accent different than their parents.

 

[dgirl1986]

Instinct is almost certainly part of it. I recall studies done on six month old babies that seemed to indicate the babies were already prejudiced against people who spoke with an accent different than their parents.

it maks you wonder whether tolerance, open mindedness and all that other stuff which is coined as human is actually human or not, or whether it is learnt.

 

[Sunstone]

it maks you wonder whether tolerance, open mindedness and all that other stuff which is coined as human is actually human or not, or whether it is learnt.

I think I know what you mean, and yeah, it does make you wonder. But I would hesitate to refer to what is learned, as opposed to what is inherent, as non-human. Besides, humans seem to be a bundle of contradictions, so far as instincts go.

 

[dgirl1986]

I think I know what you mean, and yeah, it does make you wonder. But I would hesitate to refer to what is learned, as opposed to what is inherent, as non-human. Besides, humans seem to be a bundle of contradictions, so far as instincts go.

We are a confused lot

 

[romana03]

Being able to rise above instinctual behaviour and react with reason is, in my opinion, part of what makes us human. We are part of the animal kingdom, and we do have animal instincts and drives, but we can rise above them and respond with generosity and tolerance.

 

[Quintessence]

It's my general observation that supposed aversion to differences is highly contextual. People have every right to set personal boundaries of what they do and don't like or tolerate. Everybody does it. In-group and out-group dynamics is a cornerstone of social animal interaction.

 

[Me Myself]

Fear of the unknown and unpredictable.

 

[Onkara]

A lot of people in the world out there seem to have an aversion to differences in others. Difference in ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation, etc.

Why do you suppose that is? Why don't we all just look at the similarities and ignore the differences? Why do people ostracized people who are special needs- physically and mentally?

I say it is because we have an image of our self or a self-image which we become comfortable with, it is constructed. So when there are selves who are different then our self-image becomes challenged by their ways, we start to wonder if we too should change and comply and that brings unrest. Basically it is insecurity due to not knowing who or what we really are.

 

[MD]

Pack mentality, human beings work in packs. As soon as one member loses interest the pack becomes weaker.

 

[Nooj]

Why don't we all just look at the similarities and ignore the differences?

Because differences are important. The things that make me different from you is important to me.

 

[LuisDantas]

Instinctual greed, for the most part. And some difficult to admit fears.

 

[Revoltingest]

A lot of people in the world out there seem to have an aversion to differences in others. Difference in ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation, etc.
Why do you suppose that is? Why don't we all just look at the similarities and ignore the differences? Why do people ostracized people who are special needs- physically and mentally?

It's in our nature to want to associate with our own kind, & to fear those who are different.....after all, differencing is threatening.
But you list only extremely minor ones, eg, religion, race, sexual perversion....things of no significance.
What about reprobates who prefer southern to northern Chinese cuisine? Those sneaky dangerous bas***** must die!

 

[Onkara]

What about reprobates who prefer southern to northern Chinese cuisine? Those sneaky dangerous bas***** must die!

That's why soya sauce was invented... to disguise all flavour and keep the peace between them.

 

[subhumn]

I agree with allowing people to be different or individual. But with all things there is a limit.