Stereotypes Cognition and Culture - Essay Example

StereotypingStereotypes have been in existence since the beginning of civilization. With people being presented to the world with different qualities and features, there are many factors the majority of people tend to feel uncomfortable around. According to Schauer the minority groups face the most stereotypes since there are many people against their minority represented features (87). As many minority groups in the society are fighting of equal presentation in the society the mentality in people may be difficult to change.

The most common type of stereotyping is due to cultural backgrounds. For instance in the United States the African Americans and Hispanics face the most stereotyping. The case on Hispanics has greatly affected their existence in terms of success and endeavors. Hispanics are viewed as an intruding community in the U.S. Many people view them as immigrants who do not deserve equal opportunities in the society. As these populations continue to increase in foreign countries, many of them have been concerned about people perception on them.

Additionally, Hispanic males are seen as criminals of drug traffickers. While walking on the streets a Hispanic male is a potential target by the police. In an argument by Dr. Hinton administrations feel insecure with the presence of a Hispanic male around (112). There have been some cases in which Hispanics have been arrested and prosecuted due to suspicion in indulging in criminal activities. Female Hispanics on the other hand are viewed as menial laborers. A sight of a Hispanic lady is promptly connected to a waitress, house help or a bartender.

This has made the society in general look down on them. It is always an assumption that a Hispanic female has low educational standards. It is for this reason that the societies associate them with low ranked jobs. These above assumptions have made life difficult for Hispanics in foreign countries. How does such stereotype exist in the modern how world? Why does a person have to be judged because of his culture or race? (Scheneider, 45). These are some questions that sympathizers ask. In our modern society Hispanics have advanced educational levels just like any other person.

They hold the highest degrees from world renowned institutions. This makes it unfair and unethical to create the notion of illiteracy when referring to Hispanics. Hispanics women should be entitled to the most sophisticated jobs the society has to offer. There should be equality in the selection of employees. With Hispanic being a large race, many people have been born as citizens in the same country. According to Scheuer the number of Hispanic legal citizens in the U.S has increased by 60% in the last 25 years (67).

For this reason the society should stop viewing then as intruders in their society. Scheuer says that stereotyping is one vice that should be shunned in our society (56). Culture, gender and race should not create the difference in people. Harmonious living in all society will create more civilization in our world. Works citedDr. Hinton, Perry. Stereotypes, Cognition and culture. Philadelphia: Psychology press. 2000. Print. Schauer, Fredrick. Profiles, probabilities and stereotypes. New York: Harvard University Press. 2006. Print.

Scheneider, David. The psychology of stereotyping. New York: Guilford press. 2005. Print.