Benign bigotry : the psychology of subtle prejudice /

Anderson (Univ. of Houston, Downtown) illuminates the subtle ways in which individuals act, intentionally or unintentionally, out of prejudice in contemporary society. Her writing is engaging, even when she presents empirical data to make her case for six "commonly held cultural myths" having to do with otherness, criminalization, feminism, homosexuality, race, and "reverse racism." The author makes an inspired case for the way in which these myths, and underlying beliefs, are pervasive, assumed to be benign, and yet contribute to perpetuating discrimination and prejudice. Anderson's ability to highlight research from social psychology, integrate the findings with everyday examples, and still make the narrative accessible is commendable. Each chapter introduces a particular "myth," explains what perpetuates it and what beliefs support its presumed harmlessness, presents arguments for the actual harmful effects, and concludes with practical recommendations for dispelling the underlying beliefs. Although others have examined applied aspects of social psychology research, Anderson is the first to present the scholarship an accessible, compelling way. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. M. Bonner Hawaii Pacific University