Monkeys tend to demonstrate the same dislike and prejudice for outsiders as some humans do, according to researchers at Yale University.
The scientists said their observations of macaque monkeys and their distrust for other primates that were not a part of their tribe suggest that humans may still be clinging to an outdated, divisive trait.
"Pretty much every conflict in human history has involved people making distinctions on the basis of who is a member of their own race, religion, social class, and so on," said lead researcher Laurie Santos.
In his book Earth Citizen: Recovering Our Humanity, author Ilchi Lee says that humans have the ability to evolve past our prejudices through empathy and understanding. When we view our allegiances to our race or nationality as less important than our obligations to be kind to all fellow humans – regardless of whether they are part of our group – we gain love and enlightenment.
In his video journal on an oil spill cleanup, Lee shows just how powerful human potential can be when we cast aside prejudice and band together for a common good.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd8X-NxVzyI
