Open (& HONEST) Discussion: Do You Stereotype Folks Based on Race?
Tyra Banks had a show on racial stereotyping, which allowed people to give their
How many of you are willing to be honest about stereotypes that you hold as “truth” regarding other ethnic groups, based on things you’ve heard, ill perception, past experiences, etc? No judgments…just post your stereotypes and why you feel that way, especially if you’ve had a specific experience that causes you to feel the way you do!
February 9th, 2010 at 10:02 am
in terms of the dick chain
.black men
.white men
.chineese
in terms of social class
.white men
.black men
.chineese
in terms of good talent (singing,football,acting,basketball,”balling”)
.black mean
.white men
.chineese
as a black person i feel better than i did yrs ago
February 9th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I saw this episode when it aired. I think it was the second show of this nature that Tyra did(maybe she did others that I missed). Each time, I thought about the issue and came to the same conclusion. No matter how appalling some of those people's comments were, its really not too surprising. They were just willing to go on tv and say it. How many of us(black folks), look at arabs sideways? or hispanics? , or white people? How many people have gone to school with the asians and immediately figured that they were good in math?
February 9th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
continuation:
I'm from NYC, a diverse melting pot. I have interacted with a bunch of different ethnicities. I have gotten a chance to make friends across the board and that has kind of helped me not stereotype people as much. As a black male, I've been the target of stereotypes. So I know how that feels. I honestly try to treat people as individuals and learn about their cultural backround. Its probably harder for people who didn't get the chance to grow up in diverse areas. Their perceptions of people are not based on actual experiences but on how a group is represented in the media. And if it is based on experience, its probably limited interaction. At the end of the day everyone does it. I like this topic Jia. I'm sure it will generate good discussion
February 9th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I just can't… I have SO much to say about this but I don't feel like it. #LazyBitch
February 9th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I can't front like I don't/haven't stereotype people based on appearance, but these people are going wayyyyy too far with it. Like, really? "She's a terrorist and she is gonna blow something up…" off top? Really?! SMH
February 9th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Most people judge based on appearance. Honestly. But just because you think it does not mean you have to vocalize it or that it is true. You miss out on a lot of good people that way.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
lol i will at least speak on the "dick chain" and say that it's def not true… lmao
February 9th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Honestly, I grew up a military child, born of a teenage mother, was a teen mom myself, etc., etc. So, I must say that yes I see the stereotypes, but I GIVE everyone the benefit of the doubt before I give my ruling. The reason being is my mother had me at 16, but yet she didn't raise me on the system I grew up in the suburbs (YES, were very black), my father is an uneducated Jamaica (yet, he's been working for the government for over 30 yrs) and paid his child support that was court ordered and still spent time with me. I say all of this to say that sometimes people will look at a situation like mine or my mother's an assume that a black teen mom with a foreigner from the ghetto could never be more than that. My family story is far from typical. So, no I have a very hard time making stereotypes about people unless THEY give me a reason to. (MAYBE, its just my military upbringing) Sorry so long….
February 9th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I think all white people are racist in some manner. See them mad and the truth will come out. I was really good friends with this white girl before. She was IN LOVE with black boys, never dated, but infatuated with them. One day we on the phone, and she say look at this n____ right here! Yes! She always told me her parents didn't like black people and if they saw a black person in her car, they would take it away. Never thought she was like that. So yes, I think all white people have a smidgen of racism in them.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I'm not surprised but saddened by several of the comments made during the show, many of which I found to be ignorant. It appears to be people are becoming less and less tolerant. I agree with what bknyc said earlier: to treat people as individuals. It's unfair to generalize an entire group because of actions exhibited by other members of a group. Give folks a fair chance!
February 9th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
In a way that is true. My mom (who is white) only dated or was married to black guys my whole childhood. But let her get mad and she will say N***** in a minute, and then try to backtrack and clarify. I've told her several times that I know she is somewhat racist by the lil comments she says. She hates Mexican and Black people yet she has two children by a black man and 3 children by a mexican/black man. Confused much?
February 9th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
When I see things like this I'm happy about how I was raised and that I live in NY. To be judgmental of people based on race, religion or how they dress is just wrong.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
That dumb bitch said "he's paying welfare for a baby momma"
That doesnt even make any sense
February 9th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Clearly, this is not the forum for anything that resembles an intelligent in depth discussion of race. But, are you really trying to say that racism doesn't exist in NY?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Wow, so I think all people are prejudice. It is what it is. Personally, I am leery of white men. I went to an engineering college, where the African-American's make up less than 2% of the student body. The majority of the students were White, roughly 84% , predominately male from rural areas. In the majority of my classes I was the only person of color in the class. I had to endure with people looking at me sideways, trying to do my work in groups, basically demeaning me because they assumed, I wasn't as educated. People assumed that I have robbed or shot at because I am from Detroit. I don't deal well with ignorance. I think that it sucks that people who are part of an underrepresented population have to be able to exist in three context- there local culture, Mainstream America and globally. While the majority doesn't have to.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
1. The majority of white ppl are racist, some just hide it better than others.
2. Those that said that they’ve never stereotyped a person of a different race are most likely lying.
Me myself, from growing up a Hispanic female who appears to be Black I can honestly say that Black & Hispanic ppl are just as racist towards each other as white ppl are towards us. From Black women changing their perception of me once they know I’m actually Dominican, to me having to check Hispanic females for talking shit in spanish assuming I’m Black & don’t understand & that tired ass light-skin vs. dark-skin debate. It’s ridiculous. And what we all don’t seem to understand is that to THEM we’re all NIGGERS.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
@carriep – Most stereotypes, especially the ones in the video are based on the person’s race.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I saw this episode when it aired and I think we're all prejudice, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Upon seeing or meeting someone, we size them up. We already, in our minds our formulating what type of person they APPEAR to be. However, when I do it, it usually isn't negative unless the person LOOKS nasty or is dressed a certain way.
When I see a black man in baggy clothing, I NEVER assume he's on welfare, has 12 illegitimate children, drinks malt liquor, etc. I know better than that. My cousin makes 6 figures, he has a Doctorate degree, and travels most days our of the week for work… But catch him on the weekends and he's any ol around the way kind of dude. Same goes for a lot of the black men in my life.
When I see a Muslim, I don't think anything unless they're looking/acting crazy. I would've never thought that lady on the show was going to blow something up. I would've never thought she had bad hygiene.
The big lady, she looks well put together to me. Besides the fact that I think she could stand to lose a few pounds, she looks fine.
And the punk-rock white chick, I wouldn't even bat an eye if I saw her on the street. I have a friend who is the same way, and she is the sweetest thing… But I don't care who you are, I can't get with bright colored hair unless it's Halloween.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
This is very true. I have white friends and I love them to death but sometimes they baffle me with some of the things they say (and assume) about other races. For example, a friend of a friend (who is white) once asked me it's true that black girls like anal sex. I just stared at her for the longest time. It took everything in me not to completely go off on this woman for acting like I am the spokesperson for all black females, and for being ignorant in general.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Lmao! I caught that too. If she knew anything about it, she would know people don't "pay" welfare to each other.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
bitch, yo name is Raysheen….wtf
February 9th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Lmao @ "staged" opinions. I think stereotyping people is kind of ingrained in everyone. The difference to me is whether you act on your initial assumption about someone's character or if you wait it out to see if they live up to that stereotype. I know I have made assumptions about people based on looks, but I won't mistreat a person because they look or are dressed a certain way.
One thing that throws me off about that whole "experiment." Why didn't the black guy dress in the attire that he wore while sitting on the panel onstage? Let's be real, when you see a guy, ANY guy, not just black, in a big puffy jacket and baggy jeans, are you going to assume that he has a corporate job at a Fortune 500 company? I doubt it. It seems like they wanted those people to to make those assumptions about him by having him wear stereotypical "thug" wear. I wonder what would have been said about him if he were wearing a business suit.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I get what ur saying, but if u can say all white people are racist in some manner u can as well say all people are racist. U can't limit that to one race without being racist. I am white myself, but I'm not saying this because of my own race, I'd say this no matter what race I was. I have nothing against any race, I perceive people first by their behavior and manners, the way they treat others. Color of skin doesn't play a role in that. Of course everyone has some prejudice and opinions on how people of different ethnic background are, but I always want to think of people based on their character first. Wish everyone would.
This being said it makes me feel sad that I'm not accepted even though I give everyone a fair chance. I met my boyfriend at our university and we got to know each other for at least 6 months before we ended up dating. Now we've been together for 2 years. He is African, I'm Finnish. Our color didn't matter to us at all. It's funny to me that it matters the world to everyone around us. Everyone has opinion of us. White (racist) people ask me why the hell is a pretty girl like me with a black man. I feel sick when they ask me this. But also the (racist) black people look at me bad. Men think he is with me because of my money and to get down with a white bitch, and the girls look at me like I'm taking their man. There's no logic in any of this (from both sides, white or black). I'm not taking anyone's man, he chose me and nobody lost in that. Luckily these are just the extremities and there's a lot of open minded people who don't even think of such things when they see us. I heard many black parents thought it's racist that the prince in the Princes and the Frog is not black. Isn't that the opposite of racist? When two people of different races are in love no matter what??
It's sad that people still even think of issues such as color of the skin and the race. I'm really not trying to say white people aren't racist, of course some are just like some of other races. I'm just saying, people shouldn't limit their opinion to only one race. That's how racism stays alive.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I kinda agree with them about Ramar…the way he was dressed, he looked like a thug. I wouldn't leave my purse around him dressed like that, real talk. I do think the terrorist comments about the Muslim woman were over the top, though.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I work at a Jewish owned predominately-white commercial real estate office. It's myself and two other black people who work there. During Wednesday meetings, they would naturally judge an area based on what type of people live there and if they feel they may have said something insensitive they would approach me after the meeting to offer an apology. I just laugh at it because I already know that’s the way they think, apologizing for it won’t change their views.
I also remember passing by a group of co-workers and everyone was laughing but stopped and stared at me when I walked by. I insisted that I be let own the joke only to hear how funny it was that African Americans look like they have coarse pubic hair on their head, maybe I should have responded differently but I just quietly walked away.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I just think it’s sad to see minorities stereotyping each other.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I think the problem with the prince in the princess frog not being black was that they made his ethnicity a question. They didn't want to make him black because then it would have been a "Black" movie.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Racism exists everywhere…what I'm saying is that I didn't have to grow up around it and and I'm happy for that. Plus the segment was on stereotypes (to characterize a person based on outward appearance) not racism (hatred or intolerance of another race).
February 9th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I get what ur saying, but if u can say all white people are racist in some manner u can as well say all people are racist. U can't limit that to one race without being racist. I am white myself, but I'm not saying this because of my own race, I'd say this no matter what race I was. I have nothing against any race, I perceive people first by their behavior and manners, the way they treat others. Color of skin doesn't play a role in that. Of course everyone has some prejudice and opinions on how people of different ethnic background are, but I always want to think of people based on their character first. Wish everyone would.
This being said it makes me feel sad that I'm not accepted even though I give everyone a fair chance. I met my boyfriend at our university and we got to know each other for at least 6 months before we ended up dating. Now we've been together for 2 years. He is African, I'm Finnish. Our color didn't matter to us at all. It's funny to me that it matters the world to everyone around us. Everyone has opinion of us. White (racist) people ask me why the hell is a pretty girl like me with a black man. I feel sick when they ask me this. But also the (racist) black people look at me bad. Men think he is with me because of my money and to get down with a white bitch, and the girls look at me like I'm taking their man. There's no logic in any of this (from both sides, white or black). I'm not taking anyone's man, he chose me and nobody lost in that. Luckily these are just the extremities and there's a lot of open minded people who don't even think of such things when they see us. I heard many black parents thought it's racist that the prince in the Princes and the Frog is not black. Isn't that the opposite of racist? When two people of different races are in love no matter what??
It's sad that people still even think of issues such as color of the skin and the race. I'm really not trying to say white people aren't racist, of course some are just like some of other races. I'm just saying, people shouldn't limit their opinion to only one race. That's how racism stays alive.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:27 am
i agree that ALL people have a smidge of racism in them… this is NOT exclusive to white people.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:28 am
We are all racist in some form or fashion, including myself and anyone who says they are not are flat out lying.
February 10th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Wow, that is the gospel truth!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 1:40 am
I am a Jamaican American and I grew up in a place that was tagged as "the hood". The funny thing about that is that I am hood in no way shape or form. Growing up in a "ghetto" town I was always picked on by mostly my black American peers who thought that I acted/spoke too white to be considered black when in fact it wasn't that I acted too white, it was that I was well educated. My parents made pretty good money and put both my sister and myself through private school. Basically, I was picked on because my immigrant parents worked very hard to make sure that my sister and myself were not part of a stereotype (uneducated, lazy, unsuccessful).
With that said, I have to be honest and say that I do stereotype people based on their race especially black American people. I'll never seek out a black person if I need help in a store, I'll look for a white, Asian, or Hispanic person to help me out in whatever way.
Maybe my feelings are based on a bit of resentment towards the black Americans, but I guess I'll feel differently when a black American person doesn't persecute me because I was provided with a good life by my parents.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Your generic (and overly simplified) definitions aside; my point is that racism/stereotyping/discrimination/ any other word you want to use exists everywhere. That's why it is interesting to hear people from the North talk about the "melting pots", and how they're geographic location acted as some type of shield from the pervasive racism/prejudices/stereotyping that exist in the rest of the world. Especially seeing as how places like NY are the most segregated stereotypical states in the nation.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:51 am
THE HELL IT AIN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 7:07 am
I say that very same thing "ALL" the time too,
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you're black, lightskinned black, hispanic, asian, puerto rican, indian, chinese, mixed, whatever….
Cause truthfully, in their eyes, WE ALL NIGGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*or niggas, niggaz, whatever the f*ck you want 2 call it, it's all the same 2 me smh*
February 10th, 2010 at 7:12 am
…….Uh…….Yeah, you do that……
February 10th, 2010 at 8:06 am
@ Seana B ur like all jamicans i know always feelin like their better than the average african american. when yall arent. ok so what u were picked on. childhood is all about conformity. any kid thats different will go through changes. i too am a blk person who had a great childhood and yet i understand that i dont need to seek a wht person in a store to help with what i need. ur mind is like a child.
this episode just shows how people need to grow up and be proactive about thinking on a higher level. It just kills me how most "educated" people dont realize that one thing college should have taught you is how to use ur brain. its the dumbing-down effect. i mean really you cant get out of your comfort zone and understand that everything isnt as it seems on the outside. these people are sick.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:08 am
@Dee I agree 100% whether we realize it or not we all do some just intentionally and more hateful.
@ Seana B.
You sound dumb. While your are judging african americans and avoiding us the people your asking for help are judging you. When it comes down to it you look black there is no look for the most part tp say oh he’s black but not african american so he’s ok. I grew up in a ghetto area and people talked about me being proper or too light but I never took it bad and said I just will avoid blacks. For what cause I can’t change who am I. You to anyone who sees you are black. I’ve yet to hear a racist person say african americans are niggers but not jamicans. you need to love wo you are and the hell with who dent like it. If they don’t like it don’t look it, talk to it, etc…
February 10th, 2010 at 9:11 am
I’m on a phone that’s why so many typos didn’t feel like correcting.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:19 am
And another quick point. I went to a HBCU and can tell you there is also no one look for an educated black person. I see people you wouldn’t even expect to want to go to college, with some of the best grades and scholarships. That on me is a stereotype I had. Seeing someone who would be considered to look like a thug or whatever but be some of the most intelligent motivated people I’ve met. We all stereotype and judge but I think as long as we try to change and learn that we are wrong in our view its gonna get better. Some do fit in the stereotypes but hold that person accountable not a race or group of people. I’m done now.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Tyra's show can be so fake sometimes. She asks these folks to say the meanest isht they can think off, or as they sometimes put it, "What do you think the negative stereotypes are?". Its not like some of these folks really believe the stereotypes, but then when they are on the show with the audience they have to defend themselves for saying the crazy isht that somebody, somewhere, somehow thinks.
I don't care about sterotypes. As long as humans aren't omnipotent and all-seeing there are always gonna be mental shortcuts that folks take to figure things out about other people. But Tyra's episodes on these subjects don't really do isht but say "don't stereotype". Really?! Wow Tyra, if you hadn't said that isht then no one would have known that its a stupid idea to underestimate others based on your own ignorance!" You and your producers are so smart Tyra!
Jeesh Louise!
February 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
You need to break down what the real stereotype is to her.
The real stereotype is that White people are sexual freaks. White women will do all the "dirty" sexual stuff that Black women were raised not to do. White men will have sex with animals, dig holes in the ground and have sex in there (a White man told me that one and I'll never forget it (they even have a name for it but I can't remember what it is)), and basically act as sexual deviants. Whenever you heard some crazy sex stuff, folks assume that its a White man. If somebody wants to s@men in the ear, bet a White guy thought it up!
Now, do I believe that the average White person I meet is like that? No. But if I find out that one is (also considering that I'm a bit of a freak too! LOL), I wouldn't be too shocked.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Folks are becoming less and less tolerant because they are working harder in American and getting less for it, they are being told to blame the person they don't know for their plight, and because when you a brown man in office its such a darn foreign concept that its easy to revert to levels of ignorance that you otherwise would not stoop to.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
i use stereotypes because of personal experience. i judge from what i see from multiple scenarios. at the same time, i don't trust anyone from jump. the muslim lady was very honest and i appreciate her courage. those white people have no idea how people feel and have to endure on a daily basis. i know i sound racist for singling out the white people, but sh*t, let's keep it real. those people were the ones who were doing most of the criticizing and judging. TYRA, GET SOME REAL ASS PEOPLE TO DO THESE SHOWS CUZ YOU'RE MAKING YOUR SHOW LOOK ASS.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
It doesnt matter if you're Jamaican, Haitan, Puerto Rican, American. If you're "black", it shows. And when others see you, they see you as what your descents were – AFRICAN. Love it. Accept it. Embrace it. Honor it. Deal with it.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Folks are becoming less and less tolerant because they are working harder in American and getting less for it, they are being told to blame the person they don't know for their plight, and because when you a brown man in office its such a darn foreign concept that its easy to revert to levels of ignorance that you otherwise would not stoop to.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Given that you recognize that you are stereotyping, wouldn't it smarter to work on your ignorance? No, you can't do mental push ups, but maybe you can pay more attention to who you are dealing with b/c for all you know you've been getting worse customer service from the Whites, Asian, and Hispanics you have been running to for help.
The benefit is that you don't underestimate people and what they can do for you based on race. I know that you have issues with African Americans, but you may compound those issues by not meeting cool AAs half way. You avoid us because of your previous experiences, and so in turn we avoid you too.
Also, this may not apply to you, but I've seen how a few brown people associate more with non-browns because they feel like they are better/different than us. I think that they also assume that associating more with Whties allows them to avoid racism (not true!). Of course they don't recognize that they define Blackness and therefore their existance is proof that all Blacks aren't alike or the stereotype.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
i use stereotypes because of personal experience. i judge from what i see from multiple scenarios. at the same time, i don't trust anyone from jump. the muslim lady was very honest and i appreciate her courage. those white people have no idea how people feel and have to endure on a daily basis. i know i sound racist for singling out the white people, but sh*t, let's keep it real. those people were the ones who were doing most of the criticizing and judging. TYRA, GET SOME REAL ASS PEOPLE TO DO THESE SHOWS CUZ YOU'RE MAKING YOUR SHOW LOOK ASS.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Isn't hispanic not a race, rather a culture? And usually if you're a part of latin american, if you appear "black" then usually you are of African descent or at least partially?
February 14th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Umm… Am I allowed to say that I think the four people who were doing the stereotypical judging all sounded ignorant to the maximum extreme? Like, seriously people? Lemme quote that blonde chick…
"Umm… He probably isn't very educated. I don't think he graduated high school or is in college… I think he's paying welfare checks for his baby mamas; he probably has a lot of kids."
"She probably isn't very clean… She probably isn't into pop culture."
Omg, I don't even wanna continue… The comments these women were saying, especially that black woman, were pissing me off. How could a woman try to sound so effing educated while making such uneducated, rude, and idiotic statements such as the ones that she made on that show? I just can't fathom it. Someone please explain this to me.
February 14th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Yess, I admit. I'm an extremely judgemental person… but I don't make ignorant statements about someone's race or religion based upon their appearance. I restrict my judgements to openly expressing whether or not I find someone attractive, etc. I'm going to go watch the rest of this episode on YouTube… I wonder what these people feel about Asian people. I wonder how they would feel if I walked into the room dressed as I am.
Ohh, and a little side note… The black man bursted their bubbles… three degrees? EAT THAT SHIT!
February 14th, 2010 at 9:50 am
That he did… Random, but I thought he was pretty handsome. =X
I have so much more to say about the video though. For instance, that Glen character making that stereotype about Lena because she's Muslim. First of all, just because two idiotic people of the Muslim faith decided to attack our country doesn't mean that all Muslim people are going to do the same. You can't even look at a person wearing a scarf and automatically assume that she is Muslim. Not all Muslims wear their head coverings. His next door neighbor could be Muslim, and he wouldn't even know it, because she wasn't wearing her head scarf. Would he duck and cover then? If I were in that audience at the time this episode was being broadcasted, I'd let him know that he would need to "duck and cover" for real. I'm an angry Asian girl, and I'd fuck his dumb ass up!
February 14th, 2010 at 9:42 am
LOL "Eat that shit!" He clearly did shit on those hos….