Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

Which term describes someone who is subjected to hostility and ill-treatment, often due to race or political beliefs?

1. Victimized

2. Persecuted

3. Marginalized

4. Oppressed

The correct answer is: Persecuted

The term "persecuted" specifically refers to individuals who experience hostility and ill-treatment, primarily as a consequence of their race, political beliefs, or other similar factors. It conveys the idea of being actively targeted and harmed by others, often in a systematic way. This might involve threats, violence, or discrimination, with the intent to harm or suppress a particular group based on their identity or beliefs. Victimized refers to someone who has suffered harm or injury but does not inherently imply the systematic targeting associated with persecution. While marginalization involves pushing a group to the edges of society, it doesn't capture the active hostility present in persecution. Oppression, while related, generally describes a broader systemic control and subjugation of a group, rather than the specific context of hostility and ill-treatment focused on an individual or group. Thus, "persecuted" is the most appropriate choice when discussing targeted hostility based on identity or beliefs.