Article Background:
The article, “What is Prejudice” by Ben O’Neill argues that prejudice can alter reality. This article is found on Mises Institute. O’Neill uses this site to talk about prejudice’s detrimental effects. He argues that prejudice causes us to judge others before even knowing them. Prejudice often leads to unnecessary hate and judgement towards others, because the truth is replaced by rumors.

Prejudgement and its effects:
O’Neill claims that prejudice is “judgment [that] occurs before all the relevant and available facts are in” (O’Neill 8). He claims that this prejudgement derives from our past experiences, as well as stereotypes. When we judge others based off of past experiences, stereotypes, or even rumors, we fail to judge them for the traits that actually matter. We neglect to see the person for who they truly are and, instead, only see what others want us to see.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is prejudiced against Boo Radley. She has heard numerous stories about him being a “wild child” who stabbed his dad in the leg, so she gives in to them, even though she has never spoken to him. Also, when Miss Maudie tells Scout that the stories about Boo are false, Scout does not believe her, because she has already given into prejudice. Prejudgement causes Scout to only see Boo Radley as a monster, rather than a human being.

Damaged reputation:
There are also “judgments that are protracted, but nonetheless involve considerations of merits that we cannot assess directly in the circumstances” (O’Neill 10). When spreading rumors about people purely based off of prejudice or stereotypes, it damages the person’s reputation. Even though there might not be proof of whatever rumor is being spread or it might be out of context, the rumor still has the power to damage the person’s reputation. People begin to believe the rumor, replacing it for the truth, because it is widely believed or it sounds true because of the stereotypes that have been contrived.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch’s good reputation is terminated once he accepts the Tom Robinson case. Maycomb starts to call Atticus a “nigger lover,” taking the whole situation out of context, thus ruining his reputation.

Isolation:
During prejudice, people “judge someone by their race or sex (…) ignor[ing] their inner goodness and leap to conclusions, before (…) know[ing] what kind of person they are (O’Neill 10). In the process of prejudice, the people being judged begin to become isolated from others, because no one wants to acknowledge or talk to them in fear that they are bad people. Since these people are judged before other even know them, it cannot be determined whether this person is actually bad or not, making it unnecessary judgement.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Maycomb County judges Tom Robinson without knowing him. They accuse him of raping Mayella Ewell even though there is not proof. However, because he is a black man, the town uses stereotypes to say that he is guilty. This prejudice harms Tom Robinson, leaving him isolated from his family, as well as the rest of the town.

Conclusion:
Prejudice is seen throughout the world, as well as in To Kill a Mockingbird. Prejudice leads to falsely identifying someone and their characteristics, a damaged reputation, and isolation. Prejudice alters reality by spreading rumors and stereotypes. It uses stereotypes and rumors to change the way that someone is perceived, and it has the power to ruin their life and reputation. It forces others to believe in these lies simply because “it seems like something those kinds of people would do.” Prejudice forces people to see and say things that society wants them to instead of the truth.