Stereotypes in Schools

    Many minorities are residents in Los Angeles, but that isn’t a bad thing. When discussing minorities in LA, some people connect that to “thugs” “taggers” and “poor”. People of color are looked down on in a big city like this because of the stereotypes that exist about them. These stereotypes then start to be applied to all the people of color and is seen in places like in a school.

    People start judging others based on how they talk, dress, etc. and have a set standard on them, especially for minorities. The fact that people of color are referred to as minorities is a great example of how we are viewed. Although there is the poor side of Los Angeles, not everyone is what others think them to be. Not all of them are going to steal, tag, or are uneducated.

    Schools are a form to educate the students about the different stereotypes that exist and to prove that they aren’t true for everyone. These stereotypes towards others start to develop within as young as elementary school children. Kids start to notice the differences that exist and start questioning those differences. Because kids are aware at such a young age, it is important to teach the children that the stereotypes others might have against them definitely doesn’t define them. Just because someone is part of a certain group or came from a certain place doesn’t mean they have to act or think a certain way. It is important to teach others that everyone is different and we don’t have to stick to what society makes us to be.

    Some stereotypes that exist amongst students is that if you’re Mexican, you are going to drop out, if you’re Asian, that means you have to be good in math, and if you’re African American, you’re good at basketball. If these stereotypes are constantly being told to students, then they soon start to believe them. They become scared to do the opposite of what these stereotypes are telling them to do or feel like a failure if they don’t meet the stereotypes. These false beliefs amongst students only hurts them which is why it is important to recognize the stereotypes that exist and teach them that these stereotypes aren’t truly them.