The group associated here is African Americans. The belief I wanted to emphasize is one that entails that blacks aren’t smart enough or don’t possess the resources and skills to attend the University of Michigan. The stereotype that often forms, conveys the idea that blacks on campus are either a part of the bridge program, or on campus as an athlete, and not because they “earned” their way.
Off campus, when asked where I attend college, it’s common for me to simply say “Michigan.” The response is typically, “Oh, Michigan State!” Once I correct them, there is generally astonishment. The follow up question is often then, “What sport do you play there?” Immediately after I arrived on campus, I was constantly approached by strangers who asked what sport I would be playing during my time at Michigan. At first, I thought it was simply a compliment, saying I look in shape, but I began to realize that many Ann Arbor residents may expect black students to be athletes. After being asked this question repeatedly, my delight quickly …show more content…
I played sports in my adolescence, but kids of all races did that. Many athletes at U of M are black, however many are also white, or Asian, or Latino. What this stereotype is telling me about our society is that we believe blacks are not as smart, or academically gifted enough to perform at the same level as other races. This stereotype pushes the idea that for blacks to achieve the same level of higher education, they must do so through athletics.
Consequences of this stereotype include offense, devalue, and anger. Although I don’t tend to get angry often, getting stigmatized constantly begins to have a negative effect on a person. This anger that may be displayed, can be connected to another stereotype of an “Angry Black Woman”, or a “thug”. Due to this, blacks are often stuck when deciding whether to speak on something they believe is unjust, due to fear of falling victim to another
Off campus, when asked where I attend college, it’s common for me to simply say “Michigan.” The response is typically, “Oh, Michigan State!” Once I correct them, there is generally astonishment. The follow up question is often then, “What sport do you play there?” Immediately after I arrived on campus, I was constantly approached by strangers who asked what sport I would be playing during my time at Michigan. At first, I thought it was simply a compliment, saying I look in shape, but I began to realize that many Ann Arbor residents may expect black students to be athletes. After being asked this question repeatedly, my delight quickly …show more content…
I played sports in my adolescence, but kids of all races did that. Many athletes at U of M are black, however many are also white, or Asian, or Latino. What this stereotype is telling me about our society is that we believe blacks are not as smart, or academically gifted enough to perform at the same level as other races. This stereotype pushes the idea that for blacks to achieve the same level of higher education, they must do so through athletics.
Consequences of this stereotype include offense, devalue, and anger. Although I don’t tend to get angry often, getting stigmatized constantly begins to have a negative effect on a person. This anger that may be displayed, can be connected to another stereotype of an “Angry Black Woman”, or a “thug”. Due to this, blacks are often stuck when deciding whether to speak on something they believe is unjust, due to fear of falling victim to another