Society thrives on cooperation, shared values, and mutual respect. Like a finely woven fabric, its strength depends on how well its threads — people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and identities — are held together. Prejudice and intolerance act as a cankerworm within this fabric: small at first, often ignored, but steadily destructive. When left unchecked, they erode trust, deepen divisions, and weaken the foundations of peaceful and progressive societies.

Prejudice is rooted in preconceived judgments — opinions formed without adequate knowledge or experience. Intolerance grows from an unwillingness to accept difference. Together, they threaten societal cohesion by fostering exclusion, discrimination, and hostility. History offers countless examples of how these forces have fuelled conflict, oppression, and violence. From racial segregation and religious persecution to ethnic cleansing and xenophobia, prejudice has repeatedly proven its capacity to dehumanise individuals and fracture communities.

The damage prejudice inflicts on society is both visible and subtle. On a visible level, it manifests in unequal access to opportunities, social injustice, and systemic discrimination. Marginalised groups often face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and political participation— not because of a lack of ability, but because of deeply ingrained bias. This inequality breeds resentment and alienation, creating an “us versus them” mentality that destabilises social harmony. For example, communities affected by racial discrimination often experience increased tensions and social fragmentation.

On a subtler level, prejudice corrodes interpersonal relationships and communal trust. When people are judged primarily by stereotypes rather than character, meaningful connections become difficult. Fear replaces curiosity, suspicion replaces cooperation, and silence replaces dialogue. Over time, this emotional distance weakens the sense of shared responsibility that binds societies together. A community divided by intolerance struggles to address common challenges, such as economic hardship, public health crises, and environmental threats.

Beyond its social consequences, prejudice also stifles progress. Innovation and development flourish in environments that welcome diverse perspectives. When voices are silenced or dismissed due to bias, society loses valuable ideas, talents, and solutions. Intolerance narrows collective vision, limiting growth and reinforcing cycles of ignorance.

Yet prejudice is not an inevitable condition of human society. It is learned— and therefore, it can be unlearned. At the heart of combating intolerance lies understanding: the deliberate effort to see beyond surface differences and recognise shared humanity. Understanding does not require uniformity of thought or belief; rather, it calls for empathy, respect, and openness.

Education plays a crucial role in fostering this understanding. Exposure to accurate history, diverse narratives, and critical thinking helps dismantle stereotypes and challenge misinformation. When people learn about one another — not through hearsay, but through facts and lived experiences —fear gives way to awareness. Dialogue becomes possible, and misconceptions lose their grip.

Equally important is interpersonal engagement. Genuine interaction across cultural, religious, and social lines humanises the “other.” Sharing stories, meals, and struggles with someone previously seen as different makes prejudice harder to cling to. These everyday connections, though seemingly small, are powerful threads that help repair the torn fabric of society and foster mutual understanding.

Leadership and institutions must promote inclusion and dignity, inspiring the audience to believe that collective efforts can effectively challenge prejudice.

Recognising that diversity is a strength, not a threat, can inspire the audience to see differences as opportunities for growth and resilience in society.

In the end, prejudice and intolerance function like a cankerworm — quietly gnawing at the bonds that hold people together. If ignored, they can destroy the societal fabric beyond repair. But when confronted with understanding, education, and empathy, their damage can be halted. By choosing to listen, learn, and respect one another, society can reweave its fabric — stronger, richer, and more harmonious than before.