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Race and ethnicity differences represent an obstacle for the human being. A person is placed in a certain group depending of their traditions, background or the color of their skin creating ideological tension based on facts that are very far from reality. Saying that one race is pure or better is not a very illuminated concept; however, a big number of people believe that they are more or less of a person because they are white, black or Muslim.
It is true that in most societies including the United States stereotypes are relevant. It is also truth that in many cases being a minority is a disadvantage and in some cases is almost a sin; nevertheless, not always a black person is a convict, not always a Hispanic is a janitor; and of course, not always the president of the company is a white male. The race or ethnicity never measures the intelligence and the social development of a person; however, some communities live with a stigma that affect new generations and in most cases reinforce stereotypes due to lack of opportunities and hostile environments.
Yes, it is truth that people tend to commute better with their own, but sometimes members of their own community are already affected by the stereotypes and the stigmas and end up being bad influences. For example, a young black male that is doing well in school could easily be affected by some gang members of his community that will offer him easier ways to reach economical objectives.
The American melting pot
does not exist. It is an unreal fabrication that creates a sense of unity; nevertheless, the states are a perfect example of mild racial and ethnic segregation according to cultural standards; however, it is important to notice that segregation is not mandated by law anymore, but is a social conduct that in my personal opinion is an instinctive behavior of identity and membership. We all want to be part of something and the first club that we joined is the racial and ethnic club.
I considered myself an emotionally attached individual. I am Colombian and I accept my subjectivity to topics as nationality, race and ethnicity. I do have my cultural biases, but I considered that everybody without exception has them too.
That is to say, we should not let our own cultural biases get in the way to comprehend the lives of other people. This is a very complicated mission given the emotionally charged feelings and deep beliefs that most people have concerning race and ethnicity.
It is true that in most societies including the United States stereotypes are relevant. It is also truth that in many cases being a minority is a disadvantage and in some cases is almost a sin; nevertheless, not always a black person is a convict, not always a Hispanic is a janitor; and of course, not always the president of the company is a white male. The race or ethnicity never measures the intelligence and the social development of a person; however, some communities live with a stigma that affect new generations and in most cases reinforce stereotypes due to lack of opportunities and hostile environments.
Yes, it is truth that people tend to commute better with their own, but sometimes members of their own community are already affected by the stereotypes and the stigmas and end up being bad influences. For example, a young black male that is doing well in school could easily be affected by some gang members of his community that will offer him easier ways to reach economical objectives.
The American melting pot
does not exist. It is an unreal fabrication that creates a sense of unity; nevertheless, the states are a perfect example of mild racial and ethnic segregation according to cultural standards; however, it is important to notice that segregation is not mandated by law anymore, but is a social conduct that in my personal opinion is an instinctive behavior of identity and membership. We all want to be part of something and the first club that we joined is the racial and ethnic club. I considered myself an emotionally attached individual. I am Colombian and I accept my subjectivity to topics as nationality, race and ethnicity. I do have my cultural biases, but I considered that everybody without exception has them too.
That is to say, we should not let our own cultural biases get in the way to comprehend the lives of other people. This is a very complicated mission given the emotionally charged feelings and deep beliefs that most people have concerning race and ethnicity.
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