Stereotyping = BAD?

Question

Reading several articles on here such as "Why dont fat people go outside and run instead of drive to mcdonalds every day..." makes me wonder what the youth of our nation is actually learning in school. Perhaps teachers should teach students that just because someone is black that doesnt mean he will shoot and or mug you, or that all fat people eat mcdonalds, or that all mexicans are illegal, etc.... If you agree with me on this, post a reply....

Reading several articles on here such as "Why dont fat people go outside and run instead of drive to mcdonalds every day..." makes me wonder what the youth of our nation is actually learning in school. Perhaps teachers should teach students that just because someone is black that doesnt mean he will shoot and or mug you, or that all fat people eat mcdonalds, or that all mexicans are illegal, etc.... If you agree with me on this, post a reply....


After reading the last 7 answers I do agree with a large majority of you and I do plan on looking for that documentay you posted. Going on one of the answers I have received to this stating I was stereotyping stereotypers... it is true, however this could technically a never ending loop. I was only stating a fact that yes, kids today are stereotyping people. The people in this county worked hard to have rights and to be treated equal... Why go back and destroy those efforts??

Answer 1

Kids don't have to learn that kind of thing in school because they learn it on TV and from thei r parents.

Answer 2

Maybe I'm reading too much into your question, but I'm offended that you feel it's only teachers who should be responsible for raising children with proper etiquette. For one, I work extremely hard to make my students aware of their own stereotypes and identify the fallacies of those stereotypes. I know not every teacher is as incredibly awesome as I am, but still. More importantly though is the fact that it's the way children are raised by their families that give them these stereotypes. They come to the classroom with these preconceived notions of how the world works. I'm not saying teachers shouldn't be held accountable, but I find it disgusting that you didn't even MENTION parents when playing the blame game. How very stereotypical of you to assume that we're not doing our jobs.

Answer 3

Yes I agree.. it can be very enlightening and mind expanding to bust stereotypes and present teaching lessons showing reversed roles..

This was done by a teacher once in a series called "Brown eyes Blue eyes".. where the teacher reversed roles and told kids that blonde hair and blue eyed kids aren't as smart as dark kids etc. etc. and the kids eventually believed it. Great documentary.

Answer 4

This is basically assumption. You assume the person having a certain characteristic to behave in a certain manner. This is not unusual. Given the fact that human beings are great at looking out for patterns. Thus it is those that bother to find out and do not assume make the most out of life.

Answer 5

I agree with you - sort of. I dont think the schools are to blame. Teaching free thinking and compassion is the parents responsibility.
If a child is taught to think for him/herself it is unlikely that they will buy into someone else's way of thinking, especially if it is against the values they have been taught- once again - by the PARENTS.

Answer 6

im so sorry to say this but I was not raised to be a racist. you and my own people have taught me this. see, im half mexican and am ashamed to admit it. the children and the eldearly are fine but it is what is in between that scares everyone. I work, I earn and so do you. but here I am, wanting you on the other side of the fence.

Answer 7

I don't think it is only the teachers job to do this--yeah they could help--but it begans at home

Answer 8

Posting to show my "thumbs up" to this comment