They build walls around themselves and refuse to change their minds. People as a whole, I think, are very uncomfortable with new ideas or reaching our to meet a new person. Throughout history prejudice has been present in society. The French hated the English, the English hated the Muslims, the Muslims hated the Jewish, and so on. It is a sad fact that this unpleasant social characteristic has survived so many years.
New ideas are on the rise though.
The beginning of the millennium marks a social change in the way people view each other. Prejudice, whether racial, sex related, or otherwise is on a downward slope. The unfortunate truth is there will always be prejudice. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eradicate it, but the Y generation has made one of the most important steps. As the country becomes more liberal, it becomes easier for a child to accept ideas other than those offered by his or her parent.