Maria Is a New Girl at the High School Who

Maria is a new girl at the high school who tries out for the cheerleading team. She is so good that she is made head of the squad. Maxie, the co-cheerleader who thought she was a shoo-in for head this year, starts spreading rumors about Maria and accuses her of sleeping with the quarterback of the team, whose mother happens to be the cheerleading squad advisor. Soon the rest of the class starts whispering about Maria behind her back and excluding her from activities in and out of the classroom. What cause of prejudice is Maxie illustrating?

A) Scapegoating
B) Uncertainty leading to stereotypes
C) Frustration leading to aggression
D) Threat to self-esteem