Perspective: Prejudice in America Compared to Other Countries
With the media giving all sorts of attention to remarks made by Clive Bundy and Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, there are those who claim that such scenarios are an indication that America is a nation filled with prejudice and hatred. The Obamas (particularly Michelle Obama) like to play the race card, as does Eric Holder. The race card has been played in the debate over immigration, while Muslims claim to be victims of religious prejudice since 9/11 (although hate crimes and discrimination were few and far between).
Meanwhile, Phil Robertson was suspended from his show Duck Dynasty for saying that homosexuality is a sinful behavior, albeit reinstated after his fans came to the rescue. Other individuals who felt the wrath of gay activists include Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich, Chick-Fil-A Chief Operations Officer Dan Cathy, and pageant contender/model Carrie Prejean Boller for being opposed to same-sex marriages. Then there are the feminists, who rely on the issue of gender almost as much as some race baiters play the race card.
With all these situations, one might actually believe these people. However, he or she should consider the following question: what nation has been 100% free of prejudice throughout its entire history? Other countries have had their share of showing discrimination towards certain groups, although most of them have cracked down on discrimination. But some still remain prejudiced in regards to race, gender, etc.
According to a poll taken by the World Value Survey in May 2013, the United States is one of the most racially tolerant countries, with only 0 to 4.9% harboring racial prejudice. Other countries that fell into this category consist of Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Britain, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The nations that were least racially intolerant (40% or higher) consist of Jordan and India. Those in the 30-39.9% category consist of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia, and South Korea.
This survey focused on the question of people wanting someone of a different race as their neighbor.
The link for this information can be found here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2325502/Map-shows-worlds-racist-countries-answers-surprise-you.html.
It should be noted that some of these least racially tolerant nations harbor other prejudices, especially gender.
Thus, the most westernized a nation is the less likely it is to have a high percentage of prejudice. Although political correctness can sometimes play a role, e.g. human rights commissions and tribunals in Canada, hate speech laws in Australia, New Zealand, or almost anywhere in Europe.
So if someone considers moving to another country because he or she thinks America is a nation full of bigots, they should look at the rest of the world and try and find a country that is 100% free of prejudice. They will quickly learn that there is no such country. Prejudice comes in all shapes and sizes, and it can be found anywhere on Earth.
Image: Courtesy of: http://www.slenquirer.com/2013/10/avie-poll-discrimination-prejudice-and.html