To have preconceived ideas, to use unverified notions, to content oneself with simplistic explanations, to allow oneself to be persuaded by superficial impressions: we are forced in part to do this by the overabundance of information and contacts, and by the necessity to organize our ideas in reality. If this is a formidable defense mechanism, we must nevertheless guard ourselves from our rigidity that tends to categorize men and things, to the point of refusing them and transforming them into enemies. Discrimination, ethnic prejudice and racism are the reprehensible consequent development of these behaviors.

Bruno M. Mazzara teaches social psychology at La Sapienza University in Rome.