Theories of Prejudice in Studs Terkels C.P. Ellis Essay

Theories of Prejudice in Studs Terkels C.P. Ellis - Essay ExampleEllis describes an example of how such causative factors of prejudice are shaped due to personal, historical, and environmental issues. This essay is an attempt to relate the theories expounded by Parrillo to the echt case of C.P. Ellis. Terkels narrative, after all effectively describes the different take aims of prejudice that C.P. Ellis went through before in the grand run reaching a realization that such prejudice should be done away with. By rendering Elliss experience from the perspective using Parrillos theories, it is possible to achieve that prejudice, no matter how long it has been held by an individual, can in time be eradicated. In applying Parrillos theory on the levels of prejudice, it is clear that Ellis did not develop his racial prejudice only in his adult years. Terkel writes that Elliss father was a penis already of the Ku Klux Klan. Ellis narrated that that he was taught by his father that th e Klan was the savior of the white people and that it was the only organization in the world that would take care of the white people. (Terkel 400) Through his fathers influence, Ellis developed a tight admiration and belief for whatever the Klan stood for, including its hatred for African Americans. It was easy for Ellis to be influenced by his father because, who contempt being a drunk at times, made it a point to spend enough free rein times for his son. Ellis himself declared his affection and love for his father, including the ideas given to him. The parents own outlook is constantly the first to influence a child, a fact that is even more operative in goodly father-son relationships. The relationship between adult and child, especially when parental, is the most effective condition for a cognitive level of prejudice to develop. Parrillo defines the cognitive level of prejudice as one that encompasses a persons beliefs and perceptions of a group as threatening or non-threa tening, inferior or equal (e.g., in terms of intellect, status, or biological composition), seclusive or intrusive, impulse gratifying, acquisitive, or possessing other positive or negative characteristics. (385) The development of the cognitive level is prompted by external factors, however. In Elliss case, it is the ideas planted by his father in his younger years. The absence of frugal opportunities is another causal factor in the emergence of racial prejudice. The frustration of being poor or impoverished despite working very hard can cause individuals to seek subjects where they can sacking their anger. It is clear in his narrative that Ellis put heavy emphasis on his frustration over his sparing woes. Just like his father, he worked very hard only to find out that his earnings were still not enough to satisfy the needs of his family. He was angry and depressed and he needed to bill someone or some people over his fate. Ellis admitted that he began to blame African American s. For him, it was the most at ease thing to do since hatin America is hard to do because you cant see it to hate it. (Terkel 400). In analyzing Elliss statement, it is obvious that he already had the tendency to consider the American social system itself as the probable cause for his and his familys despondence. However, without the intellectual tools of social analysis, identifying such system as the culprit is complicated.