As an example, a high intolerance exists for Middle Eastern immigrants into America, stemming from the occurrence of 9-11. In the instance of the terrorist attacks, even cultures from outside America that had become part of America united: Hispanic, Russian, Chinese, and most all that were not of Middle Eastern descent. Even Christian Arabs whose family members and last names sound 'Muslim and Middle Eastern' were not spared of suspicion. At work, some of them endured discriminative and racist remarks and actions. Some have left their jobs. Because of their ethnicity, it was easy enough to be judged, more so if they 'appeared' physically and visually of the Muslim stereotype. Some did not get the jobs they applied for because of this, and many were victims of hate crimes from racist comments to violent attacks.
The Arab American National Institute has put together certain measures to educate and inform the public regarding the hybrid ethnicity of Arab-Americans and disseminate said information to combat stereotypes that endanger Arab-Americans of being prejudiced and discriminated against (Graham, & AL Krenawi, 2000). Another example is the often rampant conflict between those of American born inhabitants and Mexican born immigrants. However, both sides have historically stereotyped and presented biased and prejudiced actions against African-Americans (Schaeffer, 2007).
Furthermore, this stereotyping is not only in America. The fact that many cultural stereotypes exist around the world that is based on gender rather than culture alone is shown by studies in Granada publicized by a study that was carried out by Soledad de Lemus Martín and directed by Miguel Moya Morales and Juan Lupiáñez Castillo, professors of the Department of Social Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Methodology and Experimental Psychology and Behavioral Physiology (Castillo, 2008).
In addition, in Britain, stereotyping of cultural issues are abundant as reported by Jade Mag (2005) regarding Asian women: "The most popular is the lotus blossom: he poor helpless Asian female waiting for a strong white man to come save her from the evils of the world, especially the horrible Asian men" (Mag, 2005). Another common perception, not only in Britain but in America, Mag claims is that of the "socially challenged nerd" who works three jobs while going to school full time. Most people believe all Asians are "math geniuses who cannot speak a lick of English" except for terms relating to science and math (Mag, 2005). Such types of individuals exist in every ethnic group, but it seems to Mag that Asians are being singled out.
When I think about my own biases, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs people hold about culturally different groups, I definitely think of stereotypes that I heard and learned in school. From an early age, there was a hierarchy of intelligence with Asian children being the utmost in obedience, intelligence, and work ethic. When I encountered some Asian friends later in life who did not conform to this ultra student stereotype, I was shocked. Research further shows that this Asian American universal academic success myth is quite prominent. This fact causes them emotional distress and create conflicts with their peers, both those of different races and those in their own racial group. Even more important, stereotyping limits students’ opportunities and access to resources (Fisher, Wallace, & Fenton, 2000).
Besides Asians, this paper also forced me to think about how post-9/11 tensions caused me to think differently, often with bias toward Muslims. To me, this group faces the most bias and discrimination, not just in America, but also globally, due to September 11th and the various wars and terror acts globally. Although I have colleagues and friends now who are Muslim, I was initially very skeptical when going on a plane or bus because of the news stereotypes and fear tactics used by the media. These issues enabled culturally diverse individuals to have a better understanding and acceptance for each other and trying to decrease the damage that stereotypes can cause. Ignorance and hatred based on assumptions and discrimination divides the people, understanding and appreciation of all the unique differences unites them.
References
Castillo, J. (2008). Men and women activate stereotypes of competence and sociability
Respectively. Medical News Today. Retrieved Jan 31, 2010
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/105349.php
Fisher, C.B., Wallace, S.A., & Fenton, R.E. (2000, December). Discrimination distress during
adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29(6), 679-695.
Graham, J.R., & Al Krenawi, A. (2000). Culturally Competent Social Work Practice with Arab
Mag, Jade. (2005). Stereotypical thinking of Chinese women. British Chinese Community.
Retrieved Feb 7, 2010 http://groups.msn.com/BritishChineseCommunity/
stereotypingchinesewomen.msnw
Schaeffer, R. (2006). Sociology a brief introduction. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Weiten, W. (2007). Psychology themes and variations. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth
