Assignment 2: The Definitions

My definitions are the first one listed for each word, the dictionary definitions are the enumerated definitions below mine.

Prejudice

The preconceived beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, which guide our decisions and actions
i. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
ii. A preconceived preference or idea.
iii. The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions.
iv. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
v. Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others.

Discrimination

Actions by those in power based on prejudices
i. The act of discriminating.
ii. The ability or power to see or make fine distinctions; discernment.
iii. Treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice: racial discrimination; discrimination against foreigners.

Racism

Actions by those in power based on racial prejudices
i. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
ii. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

Sexism

Actions by those in power based on gender prejudices
i. Discrimination based on gender, especially discrimination against women.
ii. Attitudes, conditions, or behaviors that promote stereotyping of social roles based on gender.

Homophobia

Fear or dislike of GLBT people that motivates heterosexist actions and decisions
i. Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
ii. Behavior based on such a feeling.


Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.