I am a HUMAN BEING, yet you only see a shell.

           What is a racial stereotype? It can be described as a general representation of an ethnic group composed of the typical characteristics of the members of that particular group. For example—all Muslims are terrorists, all Asians have squint eyes, and all African Americans like fried chicken. This blog has been written to inform readers, such as yourself, that these statements are in fact . . . not true in the least.

            Whoa now! Don’t gasp in astonishment or suffer any raging respiratory distress. Many other people have been led to believe these false claims as well. Try not to fret about believing these stereotypes either. Everyone can be biased in their own way because of the way they might have been raised or specific situations they might have experienced. It’s part of being human. However, when a person expands his or her personality in a provincial manner by not seeking the truth behind such claims, the outcome can be consequential.

            It is best to avoid being racially stereotypical because it can be very offensive to some people. Even if the individual did not intend to be offensive, it still sends a negative message—in order for you to be THIS, you have to have come from or be bred from THAT. I am a perfect example. Many people do not believe that I am African American because of my hair. My peers and classmates also tend to automatically believe that I am Caucasian mixed because they have been led to believe that those with “nice” hair MUST have descended from Caucasian ancestry. Racially stereotypical people also seem to believe that someone cannot be African American if he or she does not speak in the typical "ghetto" language—that you must be violent, under taught, and ill-mannered. Of course this is not true. In this world, there are many successful and greatly honored African Americans which is why stereotypes like this are particularly distressing. A person wants to be recognized for the kind of human being he or she represents through compassion and integrity. People want the opportunity to be known for the values they hold in their lives and not judged by the titles the world forces upon them.

            Racial stereotypes can also lead to violence and segregation. No one wants to live in an environment where he or she is considered a decedent of  “the number one violent, atrocious race known to mankind.” Spiteful sayings like this make people feel unsafe and insecure, so they barricade themselves from society in fear of being verbally tormented or physically humiliated. For instance, a large number of Muslims and Arabs chose to hide their cultural backgrounds because they want to avoid being publicly ridiculed. Ever since the events of 9/11, it has been extremely difficult for those of such backgrounds to find peace in the U.S because they face the constant threats and hate stares of virulent Americans that silently whisper “Return to the hot HELL from which you came.” Inexcusable situations similar to this can lead to violence and can be permanently damaging for the safety of such people.

            Finally, being racially stereotypical is like exposing a distasteful reflection of someone’s inner self. It displays a character that is ignorant, under taught, and sometimes intolerant. For instance, the physically genetics of the Asian race are visibly different, and no, they do speak in this fashion “Ching chong chang.” Each nationality has its own beautiful language and should be respected through an attempt to learn the difference between each ethnicity’s vernacular. Being Asian also does not make a person automatically Chinese. The Asian race has several ethnicities and should be acknowledged for who they are; those who chose to do otherwise, most likely hinder themselves from discovering something inspirational. In time, you just might learn something that will change your perspective on certain nationalities. In general, stating racial stereotypes makes a person’s disposition quite unattractive and narrow. No one wants to associate with someone who is disrespectful and insensitive to other’s feelings. Do you?

            Racial stereotypes must be erased from society. This can be accomplished by ignoring stereotypes in the media. Change the channel when stereotypes are displayed on the T.V. In everyday life, simply walk away from conversations or change the subject if racial stereotypes become the highlight of a conversation. When a person makes a racial joke, don’t pass it on through Twitter, Facebook, or any other viral fashion. As a member of a community, make it clear to classmates, family members, and co-workers that racial stereotypes are unacceptable and create negative connotations for those around you. Lastly, be an example. Show people that each race should be treated and seen equally regardless of what a large portion of their ethnicity’s people have been known for due to events, culture, or mannerisms. Asian, African American, Caucasian, Arabic, it doesn’t matter; each nationality has something special to contribute and it’s worth treasuring. Remember this and act on it; because the world is full diverse human beings who are far more than empty shells.