This chapter emphasized diversity very well. When most people think about stereotyping, they relate is to race or gender. However, “beyond gender, race, and ethnic heritage, diversity also relates to differences in social and economic class, access to education, physical attractiveness and ability, and sexual orientation.” (Harris/Sherblom 88) The more diverse the individual, the easier the person to be subjected to several stereotypes. I personally do not like being labeled whatsoever. Many people cannot tell what exactly my ethnic background is because I am of “mixed decent”, but I absolutely like it that way. The more people are able to identify you to a certain group, the easier it is for them to make assumptions of you.
Although I do not like to be labeled as I already mentioned, sometimes there is no escaping certain groups that you evidently belong to. I have been stereotyped because I am a female, because of my physical attractiveness, because of my economic class, and above all because of my ethnic heritage. When I read chapter 5 I realized that I was able to relate to almost every single concept identified in this chapter. My experiences with stereotyping do not differ significantly. I think everyone can admit to stereotyping, as well as being stereotyped. It may seem funny when in a joking manner, however the reality of it is that it is an unfair, inaccurate way to identify an individual or a group as a whole. I think we should strive to reject the partaking and accepting of stereotypes, and instead let people prove themselves to you by their own actions.
Hi Pocahontas,
ReplyDeleteI am very interesting to study your post in "Stereotyping". You say, " Although I do not like to be labeled as I already mentioned, sometimes there is no escaping certain groups that you evidently belong to" that I want to share my few words with you.
In the Chinese community, the children become the lawyers and doctors are the desires by most of the Chinese parents. In terms of being a professionals, studying in the Ivy League school is the path when their children process the applicaton to the university. Under this issue, most the children face lots of pressure either from their parents or other individuals. I am a Chinese and hate to be stereotyped as the typical Chinese parents that I mentioned in above paragraph. Instead, we should give the big supports to our children's interests when they apply the schools and career in future.
Thank you,
Kam