I focused my attention on how stereotypes and prejudices are created and publicly accepted. Growing up “classroom” stereotypes were a daily part of life. You get the Asian Americans being smarter, Latino Americans being illegal, or White Americans being favored. Then you get prejudices, which go more unnoticed. There are four ways to identify prejudices.
The first is the utilitarian function where people stand by beliefs and thoughts because they continue to be accepted and rewarded. The next is the ego-defensive function where people blame others for their own issues. They deny what isn't good or right in their life. The third function is value-expression. This is the belief in ones values being held higher than all others. Religious beliefs or racial beliefs reinforce one’s lifestyle. The last is the knowledge function. This is where people are allowing certain beliefs to help them build structure
and hold it together in their world.
and hold it together in their world.
Most people use prejudice in life because they don’t want to disrupt some part of their life. They deny, avoid, and have huge egos. In America prejudice helped shape our country today. The religious persecution that sent people here or hurt people while here. Then prejudice towards women and people of color. These prejudices are part of our life in many different functions (Martin &
Nakayama, 2013).
Nakayama, 2013).
Native American stereotypes have been in the public eye too much lately. I came across a commercial made by Native Americans that is an anti-redskins commercial. The Redskins name in supposed to “honor” Native Americans according to Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner. In the commercial it starts out by “Proud…. Forgotten… Indian”. I think that’s how most non-Natives think of Indians. The non-Native has an interpretive definition that is learned through media and society, through things like the Washington Redskins or how Johnny Depp plays Tonto. According to Martin & Nakayama, 2013, to retain the concept of culture its best to be to find meaning that has emotion, very distinct, and accessible. These patterns are felt together by a cultural group.
Movies and sports like those two examples are being seen by people of the same culture groups daily. From them come perceptions that lead to stereotypes. When Native people attempt to break those stereotypes through lawsuits, protests, or commercials then the four types of prejudice become very active. The commercial attempts to break the prejudices and stereotypes in a way that shows emotion, has a distinct message, and is easily accessible. The commercial shows Native people from many tribes across the country. It shows present-day Native people in a variety of ways, such as reservation life to soldiers and doctors. It shows many dancing and celebrating their culture and ways of life. It also shows Native ancestors that most people identify Native Americans with, such as Geronimo or Sitting Bull. I think the most important part is that it shows Native people in different identities. It shows young and old, past and present. It shows Native people playing in the trash in their front yard on a poor reservation. It shows Native people as educators and doctors.
Movies and sports like those two examples are being seen by people of the same culture groups daily. From them come perceptions that lead to stereotypes. When Native people attempt to break those stereotypes through lawsuits, protests, or commercials then the four types of prejudice become very active. The commercial attempts to break the prejudices and stereotypes in a way that shows emotion, has a distinct message, and is easily accessible. The commercial shows Native people from many tribes across the country. It shows present-day Native people in a variety of ways, such as reservation life to soldiers and doctors. It shows many dancing and celebrating their culture and ways of life. It also shows Native ancestors that most people identify Native Americans with, such as Geronimo or Sitting Bull. I think the most important part is that it shows Native people in different identities. It shows young and old, past and present. It shows Native people playing in the trash in their front yard on a poor reservation. It shows Native people as educators and doctors.
This commercial if it gets played on T.V. is probably the most positive step in the right direction. It’s educating and emotional. It can be seen by anybody at any time hopefully. Hopefully it breaks some stereotypes.
Antle III, W. James. (November 13, 2013). Redskins: A Manufactured Controversy. http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/redskins-manufactured-controversy-9395?page=2
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog. I think its important to respect other cultures and understand how stereotypes can have a negative impact on others. Before watching your video, I didn't think or realized that the name "Redskins" was used in a negative context, but after watching that clip, it made me realize how the term 'redskin' is not at all a representation of Native Americans. Something needs to be changed. Again, I enjoyed your perspective.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I these prejudices are quite evident in schools and need to be addressed. I like how you addressed why it is that people hold prejudices and how they can be overcome. This topic is probably something relatable to most Americans. Great topic choice!
I feel as though this was a good topic to discuss. People often overlook stereotypes and see them as jokes but clearly that is not the case. This is especially true for Native Americans given that for many people don't have any real interactions with Native Americans that those stereotypes can per easily perpetuated.
ReplyDeleteGreat depth of discussion with your blog. Good use of photos and videos. Moving forward, make sure that you explicitly respond to the blog prompt. For instance, the first blog asked you to find a current event and explain the different cultural identities involved. I'll post those to the class blog on Mondays after the previous learning unit is due.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you when you stated that in America prejudice helped shape our country today. There are too many examples to even name on one hand, but I feel that from Native Americans, to African American, to even women's rights in societies, being appreciative of other American's cultures need to a norm in society.
ReplyDelete