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A Look at Stereotyping from Within

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A Look at Stereotyping from Within
Dexter Robinson
PSY400
July 03, 2012
Dr. Fathiah Inserto

A Look at Stereotyping from Within
Planet earth has approximately six billion people living on it and each individual is uniquely different. The differences can range from body shape, skin tone, religious preference, mental capacity, to how each individual processes life’s events. When people display their unique traits and characteristics it is a reminder that even though they may be grouped, each person is different and those differences often show in our social behavior. People are often confronted with the reality that there are some notable differences between and themselves and others. These differences may be social, economic, cultural, behavioral or religious but each difference distinctively sets each individual apart from the group. Ignoring unique cultural or racial differences between people can result in social setback, limiting an individual’s social awareness. Forcing everyone into the same cultural box for convenience sake does not promote understanding or tolerance, either. To gain a healthy respect for the uniqueness of all, we must first examine our own preconceived prejudices, our own overt or subliminal biases, and our own discriminatory attitudes that we aim toward others. In this paper I will explore those issues as well as how reactions to preconceived notions affect our thinking and how those reactions can affect social interaction between groups.
I have long considered myself to be a man who is not biased, prejudiced, discriminatory, bigoted, or racist. These are nouns and adjectives that carry a negative connotation in most social circles. Most individuals do not want to be seen as intolerant or narrow-minded but what we want and who we actually are is oftentimes very different. Under the beautiful smiles, glowing skin, and piercing

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