Stereotype is a preconceived ideas and characteristics attributed to a certain group of members of a particular class or a sect, and the term is used mostly with negative connotations when referring to oversimplified, exaggerated or a demeaning assumption that a particular individual possesses and the characteristics associated with the class due to his or her membership in it (Angela & Yeh, 2002). Basically, stereotype lays the foundation of prejudice and boasting and it is used in the explanation of something which is real or imaginary which is brought by differences in race, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic class and other factors. In this connection, there are a number of stereotypes associated with the Asian/Pacific Americans and the African Americans. However, the most commonly used stereotypes associated with these people include educational stereotypes, personality and behavior stereotypes and finally, physical appearance stereotypes (Angela & Yeh, 2002). Educational stereotype is wider spread among the Asian/Pacific Americans and the African Americas. This type of stereotype identify these groups as being geniuses, overachievers, nerdy, great in math or science, competitive, and uninterested in fun (Angela, 2002 ). According to Angela (1996), the Native Americans identified students of these groups as being anxious and that they always portrayed high expectations to be identified of certain behavioral characteristics within their minority groups. In this case, the term model minority is used in reference to a minority ethnic, racial or religious groups whose members have a tendency of achieving a higher degree of success than the average population (Steel & Aronson, 1995). Any student who performs poorly feels embarrassed and seeks help from their group members. Because of educational stereotype, provisions of services and support to Asian/Pacific Americans and African Americans who are under-educated and not economically stable have decreased (Angela & Yeh, 2002).
Personality and behavioral stereotypes associated with these people is that Asian/Pacific Americans and Africans Americans are submissive and proactive in their work and these stereotypic attributes make them take actions which influence their surrounding ((Angela & Yeh, 2002).
Their physical looks is also another type of stereotype associated with these groups of people and it asserts that they are short, have slant eyes, they frequently wear eyeglasses, and that they are poor communicators of English (Angela & Yeh, 2002). Generally, all the above stereotypes are forms of social consensus and bond that bind people together.
The Asian/Pacific Americans and African Americans are basically perceived to be poor communicators of the English language. One of these styles is the use of âyouth streetâ version communication style. This style is mostly used by the students who find it difficult to speak in a ways the pure American considers to be clear and fluent. The students tend to be trapped in the culture of their peers and frequently speak âyouth streetâ versions of mixed English and their native languages (Angela & Yeh, 2002). Body language and gestures are also communication style frequently used by the two groups of people (Steel & Aronson, 1995). These styles are used by both the young and the old regardless of their social status within the group when passing confidential message.
In conclusion, there are dangers in relying on stereotype to guide our thoughts and actions because it simplifies ideas whether negative or positive in nature.
References
Angela, K. & Yeh, and C. J. (2002) Stereotypes of asian-americans stuents: Eric digest. New YK Ed. resources information. Web.
Steel, C & Aronson, J (1995) Stereotype threat and the intellectual test performance African Americans Journal of Personality and social personality Vol.69 (5), 1995, 797-811. Web.