ABSTRACT
Interventions to reduce intergroup bias frequently emphasize the import-ance of tolerance, inclusiveness, and overarching commonalities among groups (Stephan & Stephan, 2001 ). Also, practically, members of socially dominant groups are often taught to be “colorblind” in their treatment of members of stigmatized groups to promote tolerance and intergroup harmony. However, a strict focus on harmony can have the unintended consequence of decreasing motivation for social change and collective action for both minorityand majority-group members. This chapter explores, conceptually and empirically, how promoting a focus solely on commonality and harmony can reinforce the status quo in ways that systematically benefi t groups already enjoying social advantage. By contrast, simultaneously recognizing commonality and differences between groups can improve intergroup attitudes, produce positive intergroup motivations for understanding, and enhance willingness of both low and high status groups to take action to achieve equality. We further identify the strategic roles of colorblind and multicultural ideologies and their effects for maintaining the status quo or creating allies for social change that benefi ts disadvantaged groups.
