Once a degree of power, prestige or wealth has been captured, the group resists newcomers who claim access to such goods and values. A hostile attitude, implying the inferior position of the challengers, helps to retain one's privileged status. Prejudice is therefore employed consciously or unconsciously to help a group win or maintain a larger share of life's goods and values. Many secondary causes then come into play, reinforcing the prejudice. Once a prejudice has been established, it tends to grow and gather momentum.
Social scientists speak of 'the vicious circle' of prejudice and discrimination.
Prejudice brings on conflict, which brings on more prejudice. Greek politicians shaped new institutions. Greek philosophers formulated fascinating theories about the nature of human existence. As if this was not enough, Greek military power dominated the Middle East for at least three centuries. For the Greeks all this justified a sense of racial superiority.