Learned Behavior?

I was surprised today when I found out about Australia having race riots. I always thought that they were better about getting along with each other than us Americans were. Granted, we definitely have our race relation problems, but for the most part we're pretty good about it. But, Australia? You never hear about any problems there. At least not racially motivated ones. Or, (More likely) Americans just don't care to hear about it. And the media complies. After all, if no one wants to know, then it won't help them make money. And the media is a business after all is said and done.

Is it in our nature to be less accepting of someone that's different from ourselves? Or is it something that we're taught as we grow up?

Or is it a combination of both? Babies don't differentiate between different races with each other. But, when they see adults that are different from their parents, they usually react in one of two ways. They either are very curious, or are afraid of them. They maintain this up till somewhere around two, or so.

(No, I'm not an expert on this, nor do I have any research to back up what I'm saying here. I'm just going off of my own observations as a father of three, and experience with the children of friends of mine.)

Which I find curious, at the same time they start really learning behavior from us, they also start trying to exert their independence from us. During their early childhood, kids' friends start becoming more and more like themselves in attitude and beliefs. Also, they start becoming more like us, the parents. And we all believe we are raising them correctly. No matter what anyone else says to us. (Starting to diverge here. Back on topic.) They see how we treat others, and start doing the same.

By the time they get to Jr. High School, (Or Middle School, if you prefer.) they are pretty much locked in for the rest of their lives. And everything they see, from that point on, only serves to further cement their beliefs, right or wrong.

Then, later in life, someone from a hated group does something wrong. And soon enough, all people of that race are suspected of only being able to do the same thing. The suspicion builds, reaches the breaking point, and you get riots like happened in Paris and Sydney.

Its only natural to want to have people like yourself around you. You feel more comfortable, and generally will share the same interests. The problems arise from when its taken to the extreme, and any difference is seen as a threat.

I have said before that I was raised to be prejudiced, and that is true. I also said that I no longer held those beliefs. That part is not entirely true. I find that if I don't constantly pay attention, I tend to slip into old habits. It usually doesn't come out, but is there none the less. And I don't like thinking that way. Like I said, you can't help the way you were raised. But you can help the way you raise your own children. And I truly hope that I have done right by my kids. I believe that I did, but don't we all.

Now, I have one final prejudice to overcome, but I don't know if I really want to. And this one I whole heartedly believe is 100% genetic. I have to try not to be prejudiced against the boys my daughters bring home. Will that happen? Not if I have anything to say about it. :) But, all fathers are the same.
I'll see ya'll later.