Example Essay

                            Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom. Many groups of people have become victims of prejuice. The source of this intolerance and hatred usually comes from petty gossip, sometimes because of a person's looks or choice in outfit. But, what is prejudice? Prejudice is often a negative opinion formed without having suficient knowledge.
                           Countless people have been victims of prejudice at some point of their lives. And that judgement is what keeps people from seeing the good in others. For example; someone who wears a lot of chains would be depicted as a thug;or, a person who dresses in all-black clothing, maybe with piercings or other accesories, could be labeled as evil, or even a satanist. People are also judged because of their hobbies or tastes. Some people assume all skateboarders have drug-related problems.
                          These days, even your nationality is reason enough to be judged. According to prejudice, Irishmen are alcoholics; Americans are fat, loud, and obnoxious; Chinese people are horrible drivers, Colombians are drug dealers, Puertoricans are "hoods" and so on. It is simply not fair to judge an entire race because of a small group that may behave in a centain matter. Well, people say "a few bad apples spoil the bunch".
                          No one seems to be safe from intolerance. Hateful people seem to always find a reason to hate. George Aiken once siad: "if we were all to wake up one day and find that everyone was the same race, creed, and color, people would still find a reason to judge others. It might just be human nature, or maybe it is insecurity talking.
                         It is never too late to give up on prejudice, on ignorance. If individuals were to ignore appearances, this could be a much more peaceful world to live in. Judgement keeps people apart. One does not simply shake hands with a clenched fist. Ignorance is an illness that must be treated. Until that day, it will prevent people from living in harmony.