Example and Exception: How Bigotry is Sustained

Given:

-2 groups, A and B.

-A and B are reference groups of identity.

(In Buddhism, the flaw - thinking we "exist from our own side" - occurs at this point.)

-B is bigoted against/about A.

 (In Christianity, the flaw - failing to "love our neighbor as ourself" - mostly occurs here.)

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-X is viewed by B as a negative behavior.
-Y is viewed by B as a positive behavior.

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When:

-a member of A does X(bad), B sees this as an example of 'all' A's.

-a member of A does Y(good), B sees this as an exception to 'all' A's.

-a member of A repeatedly does Y(good), B sees this member of A as one who has transcended 'A-ness' and learned to behave like B's, though this designation is conditional on that member of A always doing Y(good).

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When:

-a member of B does Y(good), B sees this as a "perfect example of itself."

-a member of B does X(bad), 'all' other B's see that as an exception to B's.

-a member of B repeatedly does X(bad), 'all' other B's see that member of B as "acting like an A." They are exceptions to all B's; an example of a "bad B."

To B, the only thing worse than an A is a "bad B."

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Therefore, through the flawed processes of misidentification, negative reference group behaviors, uncharitable actions and attitudes, and group social pressures - bigotry is sustained.