Self-Control Leads To Racism

By Staff

Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 17:15

A new study has revealed that excess of self-control might lead to more harm than good for an individual. The effort self-control might actually cause both unease and guarded behavior, which can be misinterpreted as racial discrimination, as proved by lead researchers Evan Apfelbaum and Samuel Sommers from Tufts University.

However, relinquishing some power might paradoxically work in favour for both for individuals and for society. For the study the volunteers faced certain computer tests that were very stressing and challenging and temporarily depleted the cognitive reserves required for discipline.

As the volunteers reached this particular state of mind, the researchers placed them and the others not so depleted in to a situation with social tension and potential for racial tension. They were made to dace either a black or white interviewer and discuss racial diversity. The interaction was rated for comfort, awkwardness and enjoyment.

It was found that the volunteers who were mentally depleted, lacking discipline and self-control spoke about race with the black interviewer with much ease as compared to the more self-controlled individuals. This was probably because these laid-back individuals were not making an attempt at monitoring what they had to speak.

The independent black observers also found out that the powerless volunteers were much more direct and authentic in conversation. It was also observed that the less inhibited whites as less prejudiced against blacks.

It was thus concluded that self-control and relinquishing power over self causes over-thinking and 'liberate' people from more authentic relationships.AGENCIES