Article posted Thursday, August 27, 2009 3:08pm

“Why Is It…?” was designed by Dr. Steiner to address readers’ questions about human behavior from a social psychological perspective in order to inform and stimulate dialogue about the ways in which our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the presence of other people. Dr. Steiner holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology. In addition to working as a university professor over the last 15 years, she conducts individual and group consultations in matters of social relationships and behavior. Readers are invited to submit their questions anonymously in one paragraph or less to Dr. Steiner at [email protected].

Q:  Why is it that some people appear to be in denial about the social injustices that still exist in our society? 

A:  Despite our nation’s founding principles (see 7/10/09 column’s reference to the Declaration of Independence), many individuals possess deeply seated prejudices toward others they consider to be different from themselves. Acts of social injustice are born out of prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors, and sadly, are still very much a part of daily existence in America for many individuals and groups. Women are still paid less than men for the same work. Racial minorities are still systematically excluded from opportunities taken for granted by whites (despite the racial make-up of our current president). Gays and lesbians are still frowned upon and refused the rights offered to heterosexuals – and the list goes on and on.

While some may vehemently disagree that this is the case, one must look beyond the “theory” governing American society (“…with liberty and justice for all”) – and set a critical eye to the “practice” of daily living. As a society, we’ve made significant strides in the last few decades. However, we have a long way to go before fully realizing our symbolic badge of social equality.

As children, we learn to label and assign value (positive vs. negative) to others. These lessons are taught through formal and informal social observations of parents, classrooms, churches and television sets. Once learned, these messages form the basis of our social attitudes and behaviors. And while most social institutions pronounce commitment to equality, there is a profound disconnect between theory and practice. Take “Black History Month” for example. On face value, it may appear as though dedicating an entire month to honor significant Black figures in history is an honorable practice. However, by differentiating Black history as something separate and exclusive from the standard history curriculum, students internalize a notion of sanctioned racial segregation and devaluation. In this case, the message is subtle but clear:  Black history may be important, but not as important as what is presented during the majority of the school year.

Understanding how we adopt values as children is only half the story. As we mature, we gain the ability to make personal choices in how we conduct ourselves socially. Some are fortunate to have been raised in families that demonstrated concrete expressions of equality and justice. But for those raised with prejudiced beliefs and practices, breaking the stronghold of bigotry is neither an easy, nor desirable, task. It requires strength in the face of social opposition and ostracism and the willingness to think critically and look beyond the symbolic gestures of token equality.

In my experience, those denying or engaging in acts of social injustice do so out of either ignorance or arrogance. Ignorance implies that the individual is unaware of how their attitudes and behaviors adversely affect others. These individuals are genuinely oblivious that the consequences of their actions (or inactions) are harmful or offensive. For example, when my bi-racial son was a baby, I was at the grocery store one day. An elderly white gentleman was in line behind me and, admiring my son, said, “What a beautiful child! Where did you get him?” Due to his ignorance, it never occurred to him that he was biologically mine. But no offense was taken – as he meant no harm. When I explained the truth, he immediately became embarrassed and apologetic. Chances are, this gentleman was enlightened by this exchange and would modify his outlook accordingly. There is hope in addressing injustice at the hands of ignorance – as ignorance can be overcome through education.

But injustice at the hands of arrogance is another matter. The arrogant individual denies or perpetuates social injustice out of a mindset of entitlement and superiority.

Rather than functioning out of unawareness, these individuals are fully cognizant of, and self-righteous about, devaluing others. They seek to gain and maintain social power (and personal self-esteem) by oppressing others they consider to be inferior – justifying their actions on the premise that other groups are undeserving of equality and respect.

As we strive to educate some – others will turn a deaf ear. And perhaps the greatest obstacle to social justice lies with the complacent – those who stubbornly adhere to their insistence that all is well.

Indeed, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., if social justice is to be realized, “the comfortable, the entrenched, the privileged cannot continue to tremble at the prospect of change in the status quo.”