Are We All Bigots?

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There is an interesting game show that started this summer called "Without Prejudice." The host is a Clinical Psychologist who works with CNN from time to time.

Each game has 5 contestants who don't do anything. They are sequestered in a soundproof room backstage. On stage are 5 people from various walks of life who have the job of determining which of the 5 contestants "deserves" to be awarded $25,000. After each elimination the panelists see a brief clip of each of the contestants talking about their life. And with each new piece of information they receive they have to decide who should be voted off next, until they are left with one person - the winner.

Although the name of the show is Without Prejudice, it is glaringly obvious that all of the panelists are overflowing with judgments, fallacious assumptions and religious, moral or other prejudices. Few admit to their own bigoted or prejudicial feelings, but the truth is that participating in such a forum would not be possible without personal judgments. This begs the question, Are we hypocrites when we say we are non-judgmental or tolerant of others' lifestyles?

I found the show to be an incredible study into the microcosm of humanity and how all of us are judgmental and biased from time to time, without merit or vindication.

I think this show helps the viewer think about their personal biases. It may even help people to get real about how they form their own "first impressions."