Stereotypes: the Greatest Misconception

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Running head: Stereotypes Stereotypes: The Greatest Misconception Nicole Barrow PHI 103 Informal Logic Instructor: Teri Kuffel November 28, 2011 Stereotypes: The Greatest Misconception Stereotyping is considered a normal thing by many. We have all experienced it or have implied or applied it to someone. Stereotyping is a set of general statements used to describe a person or set of people. There are also various ways in which stereotyping is implied. One way is cultural generalizations. Some other stereotypes would be gender, age, or occupation. A lasting impression takes place when these vague open statements are made about a person. In the following paragraphs, I would like to discuss the negative effects of stereotyping and how it can change an individual’s demeanor. I also, will discuss three stereotypes that I have encountered in life and what arguments could possibly be used to defend them. There has been research conducted that states a person’s psychological well being can be dramatically affected by such prejudices. As stated by Inzlicht, “They are more likely to exhibit a lack of self control. They have trouble making good, rational decisions. And they are more likely to over-indulge on unhealthy foods.” (Kemlick, A 2010). One example of this that I have come across was when I worked for McDonalds. Some managers would only hire Mexican staff to work in the grill area and only American people for the cash registers. The stereotype associated with this type of hiring rational was that Mexican people are only good at working in the back of the house without customer interaction. Also, that American people can identify with the customers and should be placed in the front of the house. It would have been deemed a waste if they placed in the back of the house. This negative stereotype toward Mexican
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