I'm not a racist
By UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
All Irish-Americans are alcoholics.
All African-Americans are intellectually inferior.
All Asian-Americans are poor drivers.
All Italian-Americans are associated with the mafia.
All Mexican-Americans are lazy.
All Polish-Americans are dumb.
All European-Americans are rhythmically challenged.
As you look at the above statements, you are probably saying to yourself, "Of course I don't believe that those statements are true. I would never think that about any group of people. Anyone who believes those statements is clearly a racist and I'm certainly not a racist." Now pause and take a few minutes to search within yourself. Really look deep inside and try to find those well-guarded places that might not make you particularly proud. It's OK to acknowledge them. No one has to know. After searching inside yourself, were you able to acknowledge that at some point in your life you probably believed a version of at least one of the above statements? If you answered yes, then that acknowledgement is a good thing. Recognizing your racial stereotypes is the first step to overcoming them.
What are racial stereotypes and how do people develop them? Racial stereotypes are automatic and exaggerated mental pictures that are held about all members of a particular racial group. When people are stereotyped based on race, individual differences aren't taken into account. Because racial stereotypes are so rigid, people tend to ignore or discard any information that is not consistent with the stereotype that has been developed about the racial group.
Racial stereotypes develop in a variety of ways. On a very simplistic level, it's human nature to categorize people. It's one way of making a complex world simpler. From an early age, one learns to place people and objects into categories. However, when very young, people tend to put less of an emphasis on attributing values to these categories. As one grows older and is influenced by parents, peers and the media, the tendency to label different racial groups as superior/good or inferior/bad increases significantly. Additionally, the less contact people have with a particular racial group, the more likely they will have negative feelings about the group. Also, any negative experiences that a person has with a member of a particular group will strengthen their racial stereotypes and create fears about particular races. Based on these fears, an us-versus-them mentality then develops and tends to be self-protective in nature. As a result, people miss opportunities to learn and thrive from these differences.
Some people might say, "There's no harm in having racial stereotypes or making racial/ethnic jokes based on stereotypes. People these days are so politically correct and should just loosen up. Anyway, there's always a kernel of truth in every stereotype." In some instances, all of the above might be true. However, in most cases, racial stereotypes are harmful because they ignore the full humanity and uniqueness of all people. When perceptions of different races are distorted and stereotypical, it's demeaning, devaluing, limiting and hurtful to others. In some cases, those who are repeatedly labeled in negative ways will begin to develop feelings of inferiority. Sometimes, these feelings of inferiority can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies that perpetuate the stereotype. Racial stereotypes can also foster feelings of hate and aggression that might lead to a false sense of entitlement and superiority. For those individuals who have power, this can lead to their engaging in discriminatory and racist practices.
Because of their harmful effects, a real commitment should be made to try to overcome racial stereotypes. This can be achieved by first acknowledging that everyone is human and that people do harbor racial stereotypes. Next, everyone should work to become more aware of their inner thoughts and feelings and how they affect their beliefs and actions. When a person has a stereotypical thought about a racial group, one should follow it up with an alternative thought based on factual information that discounts the stereotype. This factual information can be obtained by leaving their comfort zones and exposing themselves to people of different races. Also, people should be willing to engage in honest dialogue with others about race that at times might be difficult, risky and uncomfortable. Media portrayals of different races that are realistic and positive should be sought out. Attending churches, plays, concerts and movies that celebrate diversity will also broaden people's worldviews. By gaining more awareness and knowledge about racial groups, not only will racial stereotypes lessen, but everyone will also become better equipped to educate and challenge others about their racial stereotypes. As people change themselves, they can elicit changes in others through their examples and the quality of their conversations. In doing this, everyone works to create a society in which all races are valued, appreciated and embraced.
The intent of this series of articles is not to provide counseling but to provide information about a variety of mental health topics. To seek help with your individual concerns, please contact the University Counseling Center at 631-7336 to schedule an appointment.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author, not necessarily those of the Observer.
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 23, 2000
