Most Americans seem to have skewed interpretations of the world. Most of them think that people who live in other countries of the world are of one distinct race, when in fact this is entirely untrue. I am from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago (located in the Caribbean), but I am of East Indian and Chinese mixed race. Trinidad and Tobago are diverse islands and have people of all races and mixes (East Indian, Chinese, African, Caucasian, etc). Whenever I talk to someone here in the United States, they would categorize me into the country which they think I belong. They mostly think I'm from an eastern country like India, or the Singapore. They are mostly always surprised that I am from a Caribbean island, because they think that most Caribbean people are of one race or black. :-(
I would like the people of the United States to become more aware of the history and diversity of all countries of this world. There is rarely a country in this world that is completely of one homogeneous race. There are East Indian raced people born and raised and living in different countries, including the Caribbean, England, Africa, Middle East, South America, and more! And many different raced people (such as whites) live in India, China, and other eastern nations. The same goes for all other nations!
It is very sad to know that Americans can be so educated and diverse, yet be so ignorant about the rest of the world. It's time for a wake up call. I really hope that things change with time, because to hold such categorical and stereotypical views about another nation is quite depressing and hurtful.
So, why do you think Americans hold such stereotypes and interpretations? And do you have any suggestions as to what could be done to reduce these stereotypes? Thanks for your input.
2007-04-09
19:15:57
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17 answers
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asked by
Island Girl
2
in
Other - Cultures & Groups