Why do some people appear to need to believe that another group is inferior in order to maintain a positive view of themselves?

[msc545]

This is most apparent when some people denigrate different ethnic groups

[Veronika_p]

I think a lot of it comes down to insecurity, upbringing, and the need to feel superior. Some people build their identity around their ethnic group, so they put others down to make themselves feel more important. Sadly, prejudice can be passed down through generations until people start treating it as normal.

To me, real confidence means being comfortable with who you are without needing to make anyone else feel inferior. Your background should be something you take pride in, not a reason to look down on somebody else ❤️

[Sevenpointfive]

ii don't see it that way. i'd love to converse with someone like myself. but being on "the in" on something makes you think you're special. people are good at different things and i wonder if there are racists that can justify their Sunday tv watching habits.

[slatyb]

They are the left-behind who no longer feel they have a place in the world. Maybe their town has been devastated by deindustrialization due to automation and globalization, they are unemployed or underemployed, and the local community instutions that gave them purpose are gone.

[MrChinaski]

It’s genetic. Ingroup outgroup prejudice occurs everywhere. Often the smaller the differences, the fiercer the disputes. Like the Hundred Years War, or Friday afternoon academic seminars.