While I may be a “typical” American being a white, Caucasian female, the environment around me has taught me how society functions. As a Caucasian I have been stereotyped against, just not in the normal connotation. Being of my ethnic background I have a stereotype that works in my favor.
If I were to walk into a store I would be treated with the respect of a regular customer. However, if someone of a different decent were to walk in to the same store, they may be looked at as if they were possible criminals. This is just one example of how society acts toward Caucasians.
Another example of how I am stereotyped is in a work situation. While it is not always true, many businesses assume that people who are white are better suited for the position. Due to miss conceptions, it is inferred that people of different backgrounds are not as reliable or hard working as Caucasians.
A final standardization that allows me as a white American to roam “freely” is the media. Media calls attention to people of different ethnic backgrounds that commit wrongs in their lives. Even though the do point out wrongs of whites, they somehow overpower this with other items in the media.
These three stereotypes have helped me to realize that no matter what your culture, ethnicity, or tribal background you will be conventionalized against in one way or another. This has enabled me to prepare for my future. I now strive to resist standardizing all individuals. By doing this I am making it easier for those around me to not stereotype. While it is hard to imagine a world without stereotypes, it would greatly benefit society as a whole.
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