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Emma Hansen

FHS 2400

Nielsen

14 December 2016

Unit 2 Essay 2

OPTION A: ETHNIC FAMILIES: We all have opinions and biases and most of
us think stereotypically. In order to become more objective in our thinking,
we must become more aware of these thoughts. Being honest with yourself,
what stereotypes do you have about African Americans; Latinos; Asians
Americans; Native Americans and European Americans? Where did you get
these stereotypes? Are they fair assumptions? What examples do you have
that contradict your stereotypes?

I feel like I sometimes make racist assumptions based on stereotypes in my

head but quickly catch myself and think that I dont know them. I also think
about the fact that most stereotypes are usually wrong.

There will be times when Im walking alone and see someone who looks a
little bit shady or sketchy and I consider moving my purse from my shoulder
closest to them to the opposite. I consider gripping the straps tightly but I
dont. I dont do it because I know that not every person that looks just a
little bit sketchy will steal my purse. I know that not every Muslim is a
terrorist and I know that stereotypes are just that. There are many common
stereotypes about all different races and cultures. I see some stereotypes as
accurate but most are just common misconceptions. There is the idea that
Asians and Asian Americans are book smart and musically talented because
their strict parents force them to play. With things like that, it may be true,
and it may apply to a lot of people but it does not apply to all of them.

According to the textbook, a stereotype is a rigidly held, simplistic, and over

generalized view of industrials, groups, or ideas that fails to allow for
individual differences and is based on personal opinion and bias rather than
critical judgment. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 557).

One of the strongest stereotypes that is constantly being battled today is

that all Muslims are terrorists and this could not be more wrong. A handful
of terrorists happened to be Muslim. It wasnt just a few Muslims happened
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to be terrorists. But of course we (Americans, but mostly white Americans) as

the very open minded unbiased people that we are now associate any
Muslim with terrorism. The problem does not just occur in America but that is
where we are and that is the place I am choosing to address. Judging by the
textbook definition, this thought is most definitely a stereotype and it is one
that needs to be changed.

One of my favorite quotes is No one is born a bigot. This is so true, no one

is born believing or knowing stereotypes or biases, these things are learned
and taught. A bigot is someone who is not okay with or who I intolerant with
different opinions or ways of doing things and or opinions.

In my sociology class we are currently discussing race and ethnicity, today in

class each kid had to go to the front of the room and address a stereotype
about their race or ethnicity. It was fascinating to see my friends go up and
say that people think they and their family are terrorists or in gangs. Others
said that white people are racist and Black people rob you. Its not about
the skin color, thats a lesson that we have been trying to teach and learn for
years. I know that my friend is not a terrorist and she loves being in America,
and my other friend may be Hispanic but that doesnt mean her brother is in
a gang. We have preconceived Ideas about people, notions, if you will that
need to be obliterated. Not all black people will rob you or beat you up, not
all Hispanics or Latinos are in gangs, and not all Asians are crazy smart and
not all Caucasians are racist.

I personally do not believe that any assumption made about a person

because of their skin color is a fair assumption. Do not judge a book by its
cover and most definitely do not judge a person by their color.

Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience:

Intimate relationships in a changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.
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