Exemplification Stereotype and Ethnicity

Stereotype and Ethnicity

A stereotype is a typical mental image shared by individuals of a unit that expresses an overly simplistic viewpoint, a biased attitude, or an uncritical assessment. Stereotypes can be centered on ethnicity, race, age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, or any other group membership (Susan 14). Ethnicity is a group membership based on shared cultural characteristics, such as language, ancestry, national origin, and religion. There are claims regarding stereotypes and ethnicity that can lead to discrimination and are harmful.

One claim regarding stereotypes and ethnicity is that they can lead to discrimination. People may judge others based on their race and cultural beliefs rather than who they are. This can result in people being treated unfairly or even excluded from specific opportunities. In “America and I” by Anzia Yezierka, the author describes her experience as a Polish immigrant in America. She talks about the different types of people she meets and how they react to her. One example of a stereotype is when the author said, “And my body, untrained and unskilled, was not even wanted in the factory.” This is a case where individuals can be judged based on their appearance as an example of stereotypes.

The second claim that stereotypes are harmful is based on the idea that stereotypes can lead to prejudices and one being hurt. This is because people who hold stereotypes often see members of the group that they stereotype as being inferior to them. As a result, they may treat those individuals differently and even unfairly. In the case of Yezierka, she felt very hurt and worthless, especially after her wages were not paid off. This made her feel isolated and not wanted in that country, which can lead to depression or mental issues. She says, “For a long, long time, my heart ached and ached like a sore wound” this shows how she was aching with bitterness due to the challenges she was facing in America.