I read this quote today:
"If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon."
- George Aiken
Sadly, I see the truth in it. People always tend to find some reason to say that their small group is better than some other group. Even when all the people appear to be the same. Europe or Africa are prime examples. They all have similar physical appearance, especially countries very near to each other, yet, they always find a reason to hate each other.
I often wonder if this is intentionally promoted by those in power. This would be done for want of power. Each group has a leader and most leaders want to be in control of ever more, either territory, people, or wealth. If the groups in the next country is equal, that implies that it is fine for that leader to be in control. If the other groups is inferior, it gives a leader an excuse to conquer so they can "help the lesser people".
There are other places where prejudicial distinctions are made. Think about the grade school yard. Kids are notorious for discriminating. I don't think kids get to second grade without having very defined groups. Some people are able to move between groups, but in general, once a kid is labeled as a member of one group, that is how everyone will see them. Some of this is self selection based on dress, hair style, etc., but some is by association or behavior.
What will it take for humans to just see another human without having preconceived notions about what kind of person they are? Or at least to accept the person as they are (minus those that may do us harm)?
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I think it is more basic than you suppose. I think this behavior is driven by a need to protect one's reproductive potential. While an everybody get along environment ought to provide ample opportunity for the merging of genetic material (how's that for a euphemism?), it would also create a more level or fair playing field. Nobody wants fair (we say we do, but really, we don't). We want the conditions that are most favorable for our own survival, for the survival of our children, and least favorable for everyone else.
I think that answers some of the behavior issues. As to whether or not prejudice (i.e., prejudging someone) is ingrained, I think it probably is. Let's not make a race/gender/religion issue about it. We do this all the time. Every time we see someone new, we are immediately making judgements about them. Correctly prejudging a person is a survival trait (e.g., correctly identifying a potential assailant without knowing their thoughts or history). Incorrectly prejudging someone is not always contra to survival (i.e., you can make mistakes and not die before reproducing). This is especially true if you are part of the stronger group, but you fear some newcomers. They may not be a threat, but if you subdue or kill them, you probably have not damaged you chances of surviving and even thriving.
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