United States is a diverse nation, and its population’s composition is continually changing over the years. Immigration has increased and the American population naturally multiplies. Despite the obvious diversity, however, not all groups are treated or viewed equally (Schaefer, 2015). Schaefer (2015) explained, “ Throughout the United States today are counties and neighborhoods in which the majority of people are African American, Native American, or Hispanic, but White Americans are the dominate force.” He defined minority based on their lack of power over their own lives rather than as a numerical value. Because of this racial inequality, negative feelings are built up categorizing a whole group of people referred as prejudice. In order
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Stereotypes categorize members of a group to inaccurate generalizations and do not consider distinct differences. Schaefer (2015) explains that stereotypes can “not only influence how people feel about themselves but also…affect how people interact with others.” This can cause individuals to hold false beliefs towards a certain group often fostering judgmental and disapproving attitudes. Stereotypes not only target ethic and racial groups, but it also targets people with different sexual preferences, genders, religions, and many other aspects of life (Schaefer, 2015). Even the elderly and disabilities are exposed to such harassment – known respectively as ageism and ablesim. Some stereotypes for elderly face are that their old age signifies death and illnesses; they are constantly bombarded with the American culture upholding the youth – symbolizing energy and beauty. Certain attitudes have stemmed that the elderly, once they retire, are a liability to society, and can no longer serve as a contribution for the community. Nursing and hospice centers were created to cater this disadvantage group; however, elderly, likewise, disabled individuals, and are considered a financial burden. Handicapped people are labeled and even mentioned their disability as part of their main identity. For example, my professor told the class that she had an outstanding student a few semesters ago. Nevertheless, she caught herself referring her student to a fellow colleague as ‘her excellent student who is blind’. She of course corrected herself; she explained that her student’s academic excellence was not attributed to her physical disability, therefore, was inappropriate to mention that. Yet, in many other situations not everyone is aware to do so. Disabled people face an excessive disadvantage in the work force, because they are stigmatized with their disability. Employers overlook potentially
Stereotypes categorize members of a group to inaccurate generalizations and do not consider distinct differences. Schaefer (2015) explains that stereotypes can “not only influence how people feel about themselves but also…affect how people interact with others.” This can cause individuals to hold false beliefs towards a certain group often fostering judgmental and disapproving attitudes. Stereotypes not only target ethic and racial groups, but it also targets people with different sexual preferences, genders, religions, and many other aspects of life (Schaefer, 2015). Even the elderly and disabilities are exposed to such harassment – known respectively as ageism and ablesim. Some stereotypes for elderly face are that their old age signifies death and illnesses; they are constantly bombarded with the American culture upholding the youth – symbolizing energy and beauty. Certain attitudes have stemmed that the elderly, once they retire, are a liability to society, and can no longer serve as a contribution for the community. Nursing and hospice centers were created to cater this disadvantage group; however, elderly, likewise, disabled individuals, and are considered a financial burden. Handicapped people are labeled and even mentioned their disability as part of their main identity. For example, my professor told the class that she had an outstanding student a few semesters ago. Nevertheless, she caught herself referring her student to a fellow colleague as ‘her excellent student who is blind’. She of course corrected herself; she explained that her student’s academic excellence was not attributed to her physical disability, therefore, was inappropriate to mention that. Yet, in many other situations not everyone is aware to do so. Disabled people face an excessive disadvantage in the work force, because they are stigmatized with their disability. Employers overlook potentially