Anti-Defamation League: Evolution and Definition

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Purpose of ADL
Evolution of ADL
Definition of stereotypes
Prevalence of anti-Semitic views
Reduction of stereotypes and prejudice at work
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

A lawyer called Sigmund Livingston founded the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in 1913. It was formed during the height of anti-Semitism after a vigilante committee lynched Leo Frank a Jew after he had been given a life sentence for a homicide that he had not committed. To curb the rising Jewish hatred, Livingston started the ADL league. The founder came up with the league’s mission. The mission was to stop the defamation of the Jewish people. Moreover, secure equal treatment and justice for all people regardless of their background and banish discrimination and any form of ridicule against any group of citizens (Anti Defamation League, 2011).

Purpose of ADL

The ADL derives its purpose from the ambitious mission of its founder. The purpose of ADL is to fight against anti-Semitism. It also fights against bigotry in all forms in the United States and abroad. To accomplish its purpose the league uses educational programs to educate people against hatred. It identifies and exposes hate groups. It looks into the origins of hatred. Advocates for Israel’s security, fosters interfaith tolerance, monitors the internet for hate, mobilizes communities to unite and fight bigotry and maintains an up-dated website (Anti Defamation League, 2011).

Evolution of ADL

The purpose of ADL has evolved from fighting against anti-Semitism and fighting against all forms of discriminations against any group of people in America to combating any form of extremism, hatred and terrorism. Its goal or mission has widened and now seeks to ensure that the globe is safer for all human beings. In order to achieve this goal the league has expanded its capabilities and expertise to be able to confront the recent challenges in a world that is more dangerous (Anti Defamation League, 2011).

Definition of stereotypes

Stereotypes refer to generalizations that people make about certain people without considering individual differences. They can be both positive and negative. Prejudice refers to having or forming an opinion about a member(s) of a certain group without knowing them individually. Discrimination means treating people unfairly or denying them an opportunity because they belong to a different race, sex, religion, education level. In other words discrimination is treating people differently mostly to their disadvantage because of prejudices and stereotypes. On the other hand is scapegoating, which means to apportion blame to an individual or group of people for a wrong or something that has been committed simply because they belong to a certain group yet the group is not responsible for the wrong (Anti Defamation League, 2011).

Prevalence of anti-Semitic views

The prevalence of anti-Semitic views is still high and unacceptable across the globe. In America, the stereotypes against the Jews are mostly concentrated among older Americans and those will less education. The prevalence of anti-Semitic views is high among African Americans with less education levels than their white counterparts do. The surveys conducted by ADL show that people with less one on one contact with the Jews hold more anti-Semitic Views. Arab and Muslim countries hold more anti-Semitic views, which are promoted by the Arab media. For instance, the media consistently attacks the Israel’s Prime ministers using hateful caricatures that leave a lot to be desired (Anti Defamation League, 2011).

Reduction of stereotypes and prejudice at work

Today’s workplace has changed and become diverse due to globalization and movement of people from one country to another. The reasons for migrating vary from economic to political. It therefore means that organizations have to deal with the reality of cultural diversity. Organizations must develop a culture of embracing the differences that the employees bring instead of trying to have the different employees try to fit into a dominant culture. Organizations are bound to benefit from embracing their employees differences. The organizations can begin by changing their policies for instance no discrimination in employment. They can also educate their employees regarding stereotypes and prejudices. The organizations can organize workshops for the employees to discuss their cultural differences as it will help to dispel misinformation and myths held about each other and create trust amongst them.

Conclusion

Equal treatment of the people can be achieved if people learn how to live and accept those who are different from them. People need to learn empathy and sympathy for the people who are often disadvantaged in the society due to their backgrounds. Teaching people how to identify, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and scapegoating and fight against them will help to reduces instances of hate among each other and create a better and safer world for all.

Reference List

Anti Defamation League. (2011). Web.

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