Blog post 7: Stereotypes in Schools

One of the most prevalent problems in schools is that of stereotypes. Everyone is grouped into a particular group or section, and it's hard to shake that label. For example, if a child thinks more favourably of one particular group, they may try everything that they can to try to be included in that group. Sometimes, that leads to making mistakes or bad decisions that they otherwise wouldn't make. This also leads to cliques being formed. Many cliques to have each other, for no apparent reason, which can lead to major problems.

According to the article entitled "Ethnic Stereotypes in Schools: We are all part of the Problem." written by Ron Bernee in huffingtonpost.com. The summary shows students are belonging to an ethnic minority to deal with ethnic stereotypes on a daily basis. First, we recognize that stereotypes are present and affecting students because of the phenomenon of stereotype threat. Stereotype threat is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Students will live up or down to perceived expectations.

As Ron Bernee quoted "Stereotyping can snuff out our uniqueness, our creativity. We become diminished." He also tells that we must help students change their own perceptions of their group. We should speak out and attack stereotypes for what they are- generalizations and attitudes from prejudicial roots.

I'm not advocating a "touchy-feeling" boost self-esteem at any cost approach. As a student, I suggest excellence in my fellow classmates and I strongly encourage them to their academic limits with a rigorous curriculum . Schools should be safe havens of thinking and dialogue. We need to be consciously teaching tolerance. We can overcome this.


Another article that I read entitled "How Ethnic Stereotypes Are created in the Classroom." of Sarah D. Sparks in howtolearn.com. The summary is about exploring ethnic gender stereotypes are created and is finding that more-equitable coed classrooms can have social and academic benefits for boys and girls alike.

Sarah Sparks quoted "Separation by gender stereotypes is a fact of human childhood and is equally common among young monkeys and apes." That part is not good for children especially those students who are actually young of being insecure.

Teachers stereotypes about student abilities may also be tempered in a more balanced classroom. Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, colour or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful. We must end this stereotyping madness.