Article May 6, 1991 Issue

Learning how to defeat prejudice

Our stand for the true, spiritual origin of every individual can help humanity overcome prejudice and intolerance.

Robert A. Johnson

In the 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, Lieutenant Cable sings in anger, "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught." It's a song about being educated from childhood to be prejudiced, to hate and fear those who are different from us. The lieutenant's love for a Polynesian girl, Liat, is strong. Yet despite his love, he is a prisoner of his childhood training. He was so "carefully taught," he is afraid to take Liat home to his family.

One has only to watch young children at play to understand the sentiments in the song. Social, cultural, racial, and economic differences mean nothing to children until they take in the poison of prejudice.

Can prejudiced and intolerant adults ever change? Of course they can! And those who hate—cam they ever learn to love without reservation? Positively yes! New Testament teachings point clearly to the possibilities.

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