Blog Post 3-1
Stereotype is the categorization of individuals based on characteristics and perceptions. For instance, people who behave in similar manners or possess similar physical features. It contributes to prejudice since some group consider superiority based on their beliefs about others. The common stereotypical conception entails grouping individuals based on their race, background, religious conviction and language. This group uses a person’s features, or preference to determine their social status in the society. This qualifies as the stereotype because people who belong in this grouping will conduct their own events separately from the others. For instance, attending racial events or speaking, in their language, to hinder others from joining them. This affects the societal set up since people only work to uplift their communities instead of developing the entire country (Stangor, 2004). A country divided on social features will encounter tribal or civil wars regarding national opportunities. It can also contribute to social segregation of some communities from accessing essential services like education, employment or national initiative programs. Another prevalent stereotype is the conviction that one’s group is enhanced, and the others are inferior. For example, it arises through reservation of job opportunities based on gender or race. It may appear, in the description of jobs, to fit one category such as white-collar jobs for White Americans. This qualifies as the stereotype because it discriminates against race and gender (Salinas, 2003). Reduction of stereotype involves working towards a significant objective with other individuals for a common interest. This entails sharing opinions about the challenges of stereotypes and development of the society instead of rejecting others. The community should create forums that educate people about the various aspects of the stereotype that can hinder relationships and personal development. For instance, organize tournaments that incorporate all communities and offer equal opportunities in social spheres. Promoting direct knowledge through personal experiences is a vital method to create concern. Organizations need to embrace unity and independence of staffs by hiring from different cultures in an effort to promote diversity. This is because diversification of employees facilitates understanding and appreciation of individuals at the work place (Stangor, 2000).
Blog Post 3-2
I experienced stereotype while in high school when my classmates refused to admit me in a school club. I felt inferior because they said that my qualities and educational background did not match the qualification of joining that club. This is because I attended a public junior school since my family could not afford the fees at private schools. The club members were mostly from one estate and community, and they wanted to promote the ideals of their culture in the club. Entry of a foreign member from other estate or community was a threat to them because it could be against their preference. As a result, I decided to inform the authorities about this favouritism that was on the rise in the school compound. This was also against the school’s motto considering that students enrolled were from diverse backgrounds. The administration convened a meeting with all club officials and requested to check the composition of their members (Stangor, 2000). It was apparent that most clubs practiced the same thing, which contributed to disbandment of all club and new ones formed. In my mind, I thought that the principal would mention me as the one who reported the matter. However, I started educating other students about the importance of diversity in clubs. Most students joined me in spreading awareness and sensitizing colleagues. Diversity is an essential and obvious aspect in any social set up. It helps in uniting individuals towards a common objective through sharing of opinions and views on social matters. Diversity also enhances interrelation of individuals to perform collective tasks against rivals. The new clubs formed admitted students from all cultural backgrounds, which made their performance rise to positive levels. I would urge administrations of different establishments to promote social unity and equity through encouraging appreciation of all cultures (Stangor, 2000). This is because corporation enhances honesty, unity and open relationships that help in connecting workers or students. A person who experiences discrimination should not feel inferior, but need to discourage others about the immorality. Stereotype creates prejudice and can create negative aspects in the lives of those affected (Stangor, 2004). Counselling sessions are crucial to help the affected parties accept their features or inclination without feeling unprivileged. Eradication of stereotype starts at homes by parents teaching their children to respect and accept others despite their different physical or social features. For instance, encouraging them to acknowledge the power of stereotype is the first initiative to know that they have a right and responsibility to take action. In schools or work places, civil action helps in changing public perceptions of others by publishing or organizing forums. Stereotype should apply on the positive notion of creating a united nation instead of disregarding it on the negative side. It is the duty of all people to ensure that stereotype does not exist in the society since it breaks the community (Salinas, 2003).
References
Salinas, M. F. (2003). The politics of stereotype: Psychology and affirmative action.
Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Praeger.
Stangor, C. (2000). Stereotypes and prejudice: essential readings. Philadelphia, PA:
Psychology Press.
Stangor, C. (2004). Social groups in action and interaction. New York: Psychology Press.
