Persecution

Throughout time, there has always been dominant groups over less prominent groups. Sometimes these groups are applied through physical appearance, biology, socioeconomic status, or lifestyle. The view of these groups can be skewed in a positive or negative way. Both have overall negative impacts. The dominant group will usually try to get the other groups to conform to their model. This is where negative attitudes and persecution come into play; this is groupthink. Groupthink is the irrational though processes and actions that are form from the desire to have other conform. This can be seen in varying levels; there are groups that are more distinct, while there are those that have slight differences from one another. In McCarthyism, the slightest difference to the American norm could make any citizen a suspect to being a communist. It was also very irrational. It disregarded laws set into place, and it ethically violated individual rights. More recently, we can see this occurring in American Muslims.  This is more overt than McCarthyism, but it still implies the basis of groupthink. Many people have the irrational belief that Muslims are terrorists. This is very illogical because there have been many more Muslims that have cooperated, helped and cared for the US than those who have made hostilities. It is easy to blame a who group and try to normalize, but it isn't right. Irrationality in any form leads to some form of dysfunction. In this case, we lose connections to cultures, perspectives and knowledge. It is our responsibility to watch our preconceptions and ask if they are valid.  Persecuting through irrationality makes this world dangerous for all. You never know when you will be persecuted.