Exploring In Group and Out Group Dynamics: A Psychology Analysis

This essay delves into the psychological concepts of in-groups and out-groups, examining how these dynamics contribute to biases, racism, and discrimination. The author begins by referencing videos that highlight these issues, such as those discussing racism and discrimination. Personal anecdotes are used to illustrate how in-group and out-group affiliations can lead to prejudice and the formation of stereotypes. One instance involves the author's initial assumptions about women and another describes an experience with cultural differences and food preferences. The essay concludes by advocating for the importance of diversity, acceptance, and education to combat racism and foster an inclusive environment in multicultural societies like the USA. The author emphasizes the need to teach respect for differences from a young age and to instill pride in diverse identities to create a world free from discrimination. The essay provides insights into human behavior and offers possible solutions to overcome biases.

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Running head: IN GROUP AND OUT GROUP
In Group and Out Group
Student’s name
University
Author’s note

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IN GROUP AND OUT GROUP
1. In the videos The College Eye, The Secret to Changing the World, How to Overcome
our Biases, the instance of forming in groups and out groups are portrayed impeccably. All of
these videos, in some way or other, talk about racism and discrimination. The latter two videos
were Ted Talks given by Lee Mun Wah and Verna Meyers respectively. However, The College
Eye was primarily a social experiment, but it depicted the unconscious prejudices and biases
among college students that ensues racism, sexism, ageism and other forms of discriminations.
The basis of such discriminations, both in Wah and Meyers’ memoir as well as portrayed in the
students, have their roots in the formation of in groups and out groups. When a person considers
another person belonging to their out groups, they grow a complacent behaviour towards the
other, often undermining and disrespecting their culture or characteristics.
2. I had this belief since childhood that women are supposed to be tender. They cannot
perform heavy tasks or venture for heroic feats. However, I met a woman in my early teenage,
who travelled half of the world in her Harley. I was amazed to hear that she has even gone on an
expedition to the Mount Everest and reached the base camp. When I shared my amazement, the
kind lady told me about numerous women explorers, fighters, pilots and astronauts who achieved
remarkable feats over time. Learning this, I started reading about them and upon applying
confirmation bias; I learnt that this was evidently a sexist prejudice. And I carefully tried to
unlearn that since then.
3. I have a deep affinity to cooking. Due to this, I am always curious to taste new dishes
and recipes. However, there was a group of students from Middle-Eastern origin in my junior
high, who always sat together at lunch and shared their food. As I observed a girl from that group
brought homemade food, I became curious and asked to taste their food. When I offered them

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IN GROUP AND OUT GROUP
my lunch in return, they at once refused it saying it was not “halal”, and refused to eat with me. I
felt hurt and insulted at first. However, later on I came to know that Muslims do not eat bacon,
neither any meat that is not kosher, as it is against their religious belief. Clearly, being a non-
Muslim, I was placed in an out group and received an involuntary harsh treatment, although now
I understand, it is not I who is subject to racism or discrimination. Rather they themselves, being
a minority in the USA, have to deal with ignorance and insensitivity on a regular basis.
4. In a multicultural nation like the USA, where freedom and individuality are given supreme
importance, there should be no place for discrimination and racism. The key to unlearn racism is
fostering respect for diversity and acceptance. People should be taught from a very young age
what racism is, so that they refrain from such behaviour in their own lives. Also, children of non-
white, non-Christian families should be taught to embrace their identities and take pride in it.
Eventually, creating an inclusive environment in all walks of life will usher in a world free of
racism.
Author’s note