It is a generalization based on biased or insufficient information, which creates stereotypes. Moreover, generalizations are based on emotions, making them difficult to change even with evidence to the contrary. Stereotypes represent a set of ideas based on distortion, exaggeration, and oversimplification that are applied to all members of a group. As a result, a mental paradigm is created to justify unethical behavior against minority groups. Surprisingly, people who do not fit the stereotype are still categorized because it is easier justify the prejudice than to reexamine their way of thinking. It is important to note that one who is prejudice does not necessarily lead to discrimination. In contrast, racism is an extreme form of prejudice that assumes superiority of one group over another; it is extreme because not...

Hence, racists believe that discrimination is morally justified b/c of their superiority. Discrimination is manifested in many forms, such as avoiding social contact, denying access to authority positions, blocking access to exclusive clubs, organizations or neighborhoods. Extreme forms of discrimination include attacking and killing, such as hate crimes. Sadly, hate crimes are motivated by extreme prejudice, involving biasness related to race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry. Although statistics on hate crimes are new, the acts are not. Shockingly, the government did keep track of such crimes until 1900. By 2000, the number of crimes had increased, initiating crime laws to be passed in 43 states.