HUCL1101 Final Project: A Detailed Analysis of Prejudice TED Talk

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of Paul Bloom's TED Talk on prejudice, delving into the psychological underpinnings of prejudgment and its implications for human behavior. The analysis highlights Bloom's argument that prejudice is a natural aspect of human cognition, stemming from our inherent need to categorize and differentiate. The essay explores how these inherent biases influence decision-making, societal interactions, and the perception of diversity. It further examines the video's message that understanding the roots of prejudice can help mitigate its negative impacts and foster a more inclusive society. This analysis is framed within the context of a student assignment for the HUCL1101 course.

Running head: TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
Ted talk video analysis
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
“Ted talks” is known to be one of the most influential talk show currently in the
television and it has gained immense popularity due to excellent philosophical nature of the
speeches. Speakers are invited from various walks of like to speak about certain issues and
express their knowledge about life. They share their knowledge in such a way that it
enlightens the entire audience and leaves a motivating impact on them (Romanelli, Cain &
McNamara, 2014). The way the people think is constantly challenged in this show and the
speakers try to mend the thought process constantly so as to make sure that their speeches
connect with the soul of those present in the audience.
The video by Paul Bloom on Prejudice was chosen for the assignment because the
issue of prejudice is something that has been ruling the thoughts of every individual for
decades. The idea of prejudices has engulfed every person and has made it sure that people
are constrained in their communication with a person or a group. Ted talks stages some of the
most inspirational and motivational speakers and Paul Bloom is someone who is best in class
when it comes to speaking words that can create an impact. The video speaks of prejudices
and explains the logical reasons behind it. The video was selected more because of the unique
way the idea of prejudices has been justified by Paul in the video. The strength of the video
lies in the way the psychology of the human is defined and how the idea of prejudice is
justified without hurting any sentiments or emotions. The issue of prejudice often ends up
hurting people but in the video it is seen that Paul successfully retains the audience’s
attention and makes sure that their emotions are not hurt and they enjoy as well as understand
the depth of the issue.
The idea of prejudices has been defined in the video in a way that completely gives a
new perspective to the idea of prejudices. The speaker has defined the point in such a way
that the fact that diversity is present in the world is well explained and justified. The concept
of diversity has to be understood in a different light in the society so that the issues and

2TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
conflicts that take place can be avoided and peace can be achieved in the society (Bloom,
2018). The speaker emphasizes that it is human nature and psychology to differentiate
between certain things and hence come to a prejudged conclusion which is often correct.
However such conclusion and prejudices can go completely wrong at times when things are
different in nature. It actually depends on the individual perception of people about how they
look towards an event and how they perceive it in their mind. Every person has a difference
in the interpretation that is made for an occurrence and such interpretation clearly describes
the kind of perspective that the person has regarding the society. The idea of conflict among
people is mostly due to certain prejudices that the people hold for each other, such conflicts
can be completely avoided if the perception is changed and diversity is seen as a common
phenomenon in the society.
The content of the video is relatable due to the way such a sensitive topic is brought
forward by the speaker. Every person has faced or participated in practicing prejudices and
hence it is relatable to understand the basic idea behind the practice (Kite & Whitley, 2016).
There are times when a product is selected to be purchased due to the advertisement that is
seen on the television. The decision is made due to the look and feel of a product but actually
after using it, the quality of the product is understood as poor. Certain prejudices lead to
taking of such decisions, the people tend to favor products that have a western inkling to
them. Such prejudices are taken up and this leads to decisions being taken on an impulse. The
impact that diversity has on the people is immense and it seen that the people often take
decisions based on their attitude on diversity. The people instantly can negate an idea if it is
represented by an African black but will accept the same idea if it is represented by an
American white (Lauren, 2018). Such prejudices are in plenty and it makes it sure that
notions of prejudgments continue to exist in the society. The message in the video is
agreeable as it rightly says that prejudices are deep in the psych of an individual from the

3TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
very early stages of life. It is a human nature to differentiate and deliver a judgment based on
certain things that are not according to their perception. Such a notion is common and hence
the speaker is absolutely right in making sure that the prejudiced thoughts are natural rather
than imposed or influenced.
Previously the belief was that prejudice was a thought process that was induced by the
society and the effects of such prejudices were worst and greater in its impact (Bar-Tal et al.,
2013). The idea was completely changed after watching the video as it the speaker clearly
explains that the prejudiced thoughts are an attribute that is natural to the human beings and it
is from the very early stages of life that such ideas or preferences enter into the mind of
people. The general belief was that prejudgment leads to the creation of differences but after
watching the video it is clear that it is not something that is backed by conflict rather it is a
common trait in every individual and it has been prevalent from time immemorial.
The message that has been given in the video is powerful as it strikes the right chord
in the minds of those who are listening to it. The message is loud and clear that every
individual is aware of certain things that are needed to be done so that the best is achieved in
life. The people are selfish to a certain extant and this helps them in understanding what is
good for them and what is not. The video removes all kind of prejudices attached to the idea
of prejudices and justifies it in accordance to the general human nature and psychology. It is
defined in the video that it is human nature to differentiate and hence it is a phenomenon that
is natural. The video challenges the existing that prejudice is a biased practice and establishes
the fact that it is human nature rather than influence.
The ted talk episode dealt with prejudice and its various aspects that are related to
the human psychology. The human nature is designed in a way that it has inkling towards
certain choices than the others. The choices of individual are dependent on the atmosphere

4TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
they are brought up in and the thought process they follow. It is to be understood that the
psychology of a person is a reflection of the nature of a person. The nature of every human
being is to serve the best interest of the self and in order to do that they involve in practicing
certain prejudices that may seem derogatory in nature.

5TED TALK VIDEO ANALYSIS
Reference
Bar-Tal, D., Graumann, C. F., Kruglanski, A. W., & Stroebe, W. (Eds.). (2013). Stereotyping
and prejudice: Changing conceptions. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN
1461235820, 9781461235828
Bloom, P. (2018). Can prejudice ever be a good thing?. Ted.com. Retrieved 6 April 2018,
from
https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_bloom_can_prejudice_ever_be_a_good_thing#t-
964017
Kite, M. E., & Whitley Jr, B. E. (2016). Psychology of prejudice and discrimination.
Psychology Press. ISBN 1317227239, 9781317227236
Lauren, P. G. (2018). Power and prejudice: The politics and diplomacy of racial
discrimination. Routledge. ISBN 9780429961069
Romanelli, F., Cain, J., & McNamara, P. J. (2014). Should TED talks be teaching us
something?. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 78(6), 113.