Stereotyping against others and showing a lack of respect for them ultimately leads to harassment and bullying. People judge others constantly based on how they look, act, and what they wear. In fact, statistics show that “first impressions are judged 55% on appearance and manner alone” (Judging by Appearances). Although stereotyping seems harmless to some people, it is truly one of the primary reasons that people bully others. In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian tribe of Umuofia is overrun by white Christian missionaries who immediately force their religion on the traditional customs of the tribe. The missionaries did not understand the Nigerians, so they simply judged them for their culture and pushed their beliefs on them without trying to understand them. Their takeover and misjudgment eventually led Umuofian tribe member Okonkwo to take his own life. When someone does not understand another person, they stereotype and label them, making it easier for them to harass the person. Stereotyping and disrespect can eventually push people over the edge; they are common issues today that need to be considered and taken care of.
Gourd, Jake. "Judging by Appearances." Ezine Articles. N.p., 3 Apr. 2006. Web. 29 May 2014.
(Marley's Boyfriend)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the stereotypes that are portrayed against certain people. Just because someone is a certain race or has a certain style, doesn't mean they have to grow up as the stereotype they are known to be.