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Stereotyping and Ethnicity
Stereotyping is usually a means to an end when it comes to the ever-evolving and diverse world of today. Especially in the United States, where so many cultures and ethnicities coexist, making assumptions based on someones background instead of who they are on a personal level is quite inconsiderate and close-minded. Everyone longs for understanding and respect, but to reciprocate, one should be willing to give up societal beliefs and look at the world with a fresh perspective. Cultural stereotyping, in particular, is going to be the focus of this essay.
It is crucial to understand that culture does not equal race. Nevertheless, groups with one skin color tend to have a similar upbringing and a certain set of cultural experiences. Some may even argue that their race is one of the most distinct parts of their identity. While some assumptions seem positive (for example, that Asians are good at studying), they can be extremely harmful as members of a cultural group become hostage to societal expectations. No matter the quality or intention of an individuals generalizations, they negatively affect the recipient.
Some might argue that stereotyping is one of the natural reactions human brains are predisposed to. While it certainly helped humans of the past to make quick, effective decisions that allowed them to survive, the modern environment requires a different set of abilities. To navigate urban jungles, people have to stop acting according to their assumptions and generalizations. However, tests of implicit bias (or unconscious bias) show that people of all backgrounds show unconscious preferences on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation (Fiarman 10). People limit their understanding of others by following certain preconceived notions, and the only way to grow as a human being would be to reflect on ones past actions and analyze them.
The Case of a Racist Scholarship
Young people nowadays seem to recognize the problem and even try to become activists fighting for a conscious, open-minded society. Matt Daniels, for example, decided not to apply for the Anna Todd Jennings scholarship. According to Daniels, the scholarships Caucasians only requirement served as a clear representation of the founders racist views (563). On the one hand, a progressive student could accept the money and then use his or her education to fight for inclusivity and diversity. This decision would be based primarily on utilitarian ethical principles, where the end justifies the means.
However, the Kantian theory states that morally correct decisions are usually based on ones own duty to act with dignity and respect. Daniels considered the consequences of his actions as well as his ethical obligations and made a very informed choice.
Matt Daniels decision is an act of selfishness and selflessness at the same time. He stayed true to himself and his dignity by refusing to apply for the scholarship, which put him on a higher moral ground than his fellow teenagers in his head. Acting according to his moral compass made him feel good. On the other hand, he actively rebelled against racist regulations and became an activist who encouraged others to do the same.
It might seem unfair that the scholarships are separately for African Americans, LGBTQA+ members, or children of war veterans, but not white people. Opponents of affirmative action fail to accept the historical implications of the scholarship founded for whites only in 1955. An abundance of affirmative action educational opportunities clearly was not the cause of creating a Caucasian-only scholarship during the time when racial segregation reached its peak. The existence of such a scholarship in the twenty-first century is a deliberate act of racism. It is offensive not only to people of color but to anyone who believes in racial equality.
An Example of Righteousness from Emily Ratajkowski
Personal gain often prevails over basic morality for some, while others continue to advocate for fundamental human rights and equality by staying away from major opportunities. Recently, a number of prominent influencers, including Elsa Hosk, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Teyana Taylor, promoted a Saudi Arabian music festival, MDL Beast. The festival was an effort of Saudi officials to boost tourism.
Saudi Arabia faced a real possibility of an economic crisis in 2018, when overseas investors pulled one billion dollars out of Saudi Arabias stock market (Deahl). The reason was the governments murder of journalist Jamaal Kashoggi as well as the countrys sexist and homophobic policies. Emily Ratajkowski was one of the only models who refused to become an MDL Beast ambassador. Similar to Daniels, Ratajkowski could have used large sums of money to promote equality back in America, but she chose not to support inequality instead.
Emmas Story
Following an ethical principle might be impossible in a work environment, but Olivias example proves that giving up something because of personal values does not always mean losing. I met Olivia at a party, and I immediately felt a connection between us as we had a lot in common. During our hour-long conversation, she shared a very inspiring story with me. She worked as a freelance model in high school, and one day she got a casting call for a popular fashion brand. She seemed to impress the management, and they booked her for a job. Emma went home and started searching for the companys mission and values in order to feel more comfortable representing their brand in a social media campaign.
Fast fashion companies are known for their inhumane working conditions and disregard for the global climate crisis. Unfortunately, the brand Emma got an offer from was one of the biggest fast fashion brands in America, so she chose not to take the job. Instead, this inspired her to make a blog discussing sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Emma managed to re-evaluate her moral principles and create a community of like-minded individuals. Positive indirect consequences of staying true to ones beliefs might not be obvious, but still possible.
The Concept of Culture
To continue with the theme of modeling, a set of extremely offensive generalizations are still being perpetuated by the entertainment industry. Models are considered unintelligent, arrogant, or anorexic. It might be argued that such assumptions are the result of systematic stereotyping which is not limited to someones ethnic background. Subcultures started evolving in the second half of the twentieth century. As a result, particular stereotypes were created and reinforced in the next decades. The generalized portrayal of LGBTQA+ members in the media serves as a great example of evolved cultural stereotyping. There is no difference between positive and negative assumptions about specific communities as they disregard an individuals unique story.
Conclusion
Modern realities require individuals to broaden their worldview and accept diversity. The most effective way to exist in a diverse environment of the twenty-first century is to acknowledge others differences and stop making assumptions based on their culture, race, religion, or sexuality. Stereotyping has had a drastic effect on relationships amongst individuals and societies (Smith). Cultural bias leads to a never-ending cycle of misunderstandings and discrimination. Sacrifices might be the only way to promote and advocate for equality and acceptance. In the end, they are a small price for partaking in positive global shifts in human understanding of cultures and communities.
Works Cited
Daniels, Matt. An Argument against the Anna Todd Jennings Scholarship . Patterns for College Writing, edited by Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell, Bedford, 2010, pp. 563-65.
Deahl, Dani. Influencers Face Backlash for Promoting a Saudi Arabian Music Festival . The Verge. 2019. Web.
Fiarman, Sarah. Unconscious Bias: When Good Intentions Arent Enough . Educational Leadership, vol. 74, no. 3, 2016, pp. 1015.
Smith, C. Stereotyping is Wrong .
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