Stereotyping is basically an overgeneralization about people without the benefit of our factoring in our individual uniqueness. The Asian communities are known for many attributes, one being their dedication, and valuing educational pursuits. Does affixing a label that Asians succeed far better in school a label that has the propensity to be destructive? Does this label communicate the positive qualities of this culture? Can an entire culture possess a similar trait? These are all questions that we must not take for granted. These are issues that all of us must question.
Every cultural population is comprised of varying ethnic groups. Alma R. Clayton-Pederson, vice president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, stated, “The notion of lumping all people into a single category and assuming they have no needs is wrong”. The New York Times reported that the SAT scores of Asian-Americans are like those of other Americans, they tend to correlate with the income and educational level of their parents.
Stereotyping most definitely can lead to individuals becoming prejudice against another cultural community. I am sure you are asking yourselves how attaching a positive trait to a group can be harmful? In this and other instances, the needs of a particular individual will not be addressed due to the over generalition of the cultural group in which they have membership to.
I am an Italian American. Although a simplistic example, traditionally, I enjoy Italian ethnic foods however, I am one who finds more pleasure from a meal of seafood dishes. We all need to interact with the individual rather than develop assumptions based upon their cultural community membership. Just like the family we were born into, our cultural community is comprised of very distinctive members who bring uniquely diverse and incomparable qualities to the table, not just spaghetti and meatballs!
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