QUÈ SÓN ELS RUMORS? QUÈ SÓN ELS PREJUDICIS I ELS ESTEREOTIPS? ANGLÈS (2)

 

RUMOUR

Rumours are statements about individuals, groups or events that spread from one person to another without a determination of their veracity. A rumour is considered credible not because there is direct evidence to support it but because many people believe it.

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PREJUDICE

An aversive or hostile attitude toward a person who belongs to a group, simply because he belongs to that group (Allport, 1954). Prejudice is a belief based on emotions and feelings.

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STEREOTYPE

Stereotypes consist in attributing a number of standardised characteristics (ways of being and behaving) to all those who share a particular feature (same sex, nationality, religion, profession, etc.). Therefore, people are not judged by its individuality, but for belonging to a specific group. These beliefs simplify reality and they are not positive, nor negative by themselves.

It is important to mention that prejudices and stereotypes related to immigration and cultural diversity usually play a key role to create a favourable environment for intercultural coexistence, and preventing discrimination and racism. Rumours are one of the most powerful ways to spread and consolidate these prejudices and stereotypes which force hostile attitudes toward cultural diversity and specific groups.