Prejudicing involves causing harm or injury to someone or something, typically in a way that is unfair or detrimental. It implies acting or existing in such a way that it is damaging to a person's or thing's reputation, interests, or prospects. This can be a conscious act, like intentionally spreading misinformation, or an unintentional outcome of a decision or action. The concept also encompasses forming an unfair opinion or judgment about someone or something, especially without adequate information. Often, this involves creating a bias or predisposition that negatively impacts fair assessment or treatment. The severity of prejudicing varies widely, from mild inconveniences to severe injustices. Understanding the potential for prejudicing helps in identifying and mitigating its harmful effects, striving for fairness, and promoting equitable practices in all areas.
Prejudicing meaning with examples
- The company's decision to outsource its customer service operations, although intended to cut costs, was seen as prejudicing the quality of customer support. Customers experienced longer wait times and less personalized service, which negatively affected their experience, harming customer relations and brand reputation in the long run.
- Publishing unverified information about a political candidate before an election was a clear case of prejudicing the public's opinion. The misinformation, despite later retractions, influenced voters and created a bias against the candidate, likely impacting the election outcome through the spread of false, damaging news.
- The school's policy requiring students to attend religious services, even if they didn't share those beliefs, was prejudicing the students who identified with different beliefs. This policy undermined the students' freedom of expression and potentially created an environment of discomfort or alienation within the school community.
- Failure to provide accessible infrastructure to people with disabilities was prejudicing their ability to fully participate in society. The barriers in place, whether physical or digital, limited their access to services, employment, and social activities, effectively hindering their equal opportunities and treatment.
- The judge's public statements, expressing strong opinions on a case before the trial, could be viewed as prejudicing the jury. This biased view risked compromising the impartiality of the court proceedings, making the whole case unfair, because of this premature expression of opinion.