In an open letter that appeared in 1992 entitled Stereotypes, a teenager complained about how stereotyping affected her (Bayoton). From the assigned chapter reading, it was brought to my attention that this behavior allows for many to fail and see the true value and worth of an individual. Instead, it is easier for many to assume and hastily jump into conclusion without even bothering to ask and verify. In chapter 1, the author of the book it says that the harm done are usually indirect, subtle and delayed. According to Bayoton, he has to endure being called “white-washed” by people of the same decent as himself.
While people usually would embrace the same people who are of the same background as they are, usually any sign that one of their own is ahead of them in certain aspects would be isolated and treated differently. It is easy to criticize someone based on superficial evidences or from appearance because these are readily manageable. Therefore, labeling and stereotypes are usually done from this point of view.
While the plethora of conflicting beliefs and ideologies between nations of a different race had been passed down from generation to generation, the issue of gender difference resulting to discrimination also intensifies. However, it is not to generalize the entire population of every culture. It is simply to state that while many humanitarian groups are advocating a unified nation that embraces diversity division still exist and persist to prevail in several organizations.
Indifference aggravated the situation of gender and racial discrimination. At this point, anyone who belongs to the cultural minority sector and those belonging to the third sex—women included are placed in a much greater risk for being harassed and displaced in the workplace. Gender discrimination is an issue prevails in a hegemonic society (Gneezy, Leonard, & List, 2006). It continues to exist provided that the society sees men as the dominating gender. The concept of diversity is broad. While the term diversity largely refers to individual differences, it also accounts for the individuality and uniqueness. People are widely aware that no two individuals are alike regardless of affiliation and consanguinity. Diversity is not limited to cultural aspects like tradition, beliefs and ideologies. It also includes people’s differences in terms of physical, mental and psychological characteristics that are defined by their gender.
Work Cited
Bayoton, Derek. "Opinions: Stereotypes." 15 December 1992. Los Angeles Times Website. 17 June 2014 <http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-15/local/me-1958_1_agers-filipino-uc-san-diego>.
Gneezy, Uri, Kennth Leonard and John List. "http://www.iza.org/en/papers/1545_29062007.pdf." 19 June 2006. IZA Organization. 15 July 2013 <http://www.iza.org/en/papers/1545_29062007.pdf>.
