Stereotypes categorize members of a group to inaccurate generalizations and do not consider distinct differences. Schaefer (2015) explains that stereotypes can “not only influence how people feel about themselves but also…affect how people interact with others.” This can cause individuals to hold false beliefs towards a certain group often fostering judgmental and disapproving attitudes. Stereotypes not only target ethic and racial groups, but it also targets people with different sexual preferences, genders, religions, and many other aspects of life (Schaefer, 2015). Even the elderly and disabilities are exposed to such harassment – known respectively as ageism and ablesim. Some stereotypes for elderly face are that their old age signifies death and illnesses; they are constantly bombarded with the American culture upholding the youth – symbolizing energy and beauty. Certain attitudes have stemmed that the elderly, once they retire, are a liability to society, and can no longer serve as a contribution for the community. Nursing and hospice centers were created to cater this disadvantage group; however, elderly, likewise, disabled individuals, and are considered a financial burden. Handicapped people are labeled and even mentioned their disability as part of their main identity. For example, my professor told the class that she had an outstanding student a few semesters ago. Nevertheless, she caught herself referring her student to a fellow colleague as ‘her excellent student who is blind’. She of course corrected herself; she explained that her student’s academic excellence was not attributed to her physical disability, therefore, was inappropriate to mention that. Yet, in many other situations not everyone is aware to do so. Disabled people face an excessive disadvantage in the work force, because they are stigmatized with their disability. Employers overlook potentially
Stereotypes categorize members of a group to inaccurate generalizations and do not consider distinct differences. Schaefer (2015) explains that stereotypes can “not only influence how people feel about themselves but also…affect how people interact with others.” This can cause individuals to hold false beliefs towards a certain group often fostering judgmental and disapproving attitudes. Stereotypes not only target ethic and racial groups, but it also targets people with different sexual preferences, genders, religions, and many other aspects of life (Schaefer, 2015). Even the elderly and disabilities are exposed to such harassment – known respectively as ageism and ablesim. Some stereotypes for elderly face are that their old age signifies death and illnesses; they are constantly bombarded with the American culture upholding the youth – symbolizing energy and beauty. Certain attitudes have stemmed that the elderly, once they retire, are a liability to society, and can no longer serve as a contribution for the community. Nursing and hospice centers were created to cater this disadvantage group; however, elderly, likewise, disabled individuals, and are considered a financial burden. Handicapped people are labeled and even mentioned their disability as part of their main identity. For example, my professor told the class that she had an outstanding student a few semesters ago. Nevertheless, she caught herself referring her student to a fellow colleague as ‘her excellent student who is blind’. She of course corrected herself; she explained that her student’s academic excellence was not attributed to her physical disability, therefore, was inappropriate to mention that. Yet, in many other situations not everyone is aware to do so. Disabled people face an excessive disadvantage in the work force, because they are stigmatized with their disability. Employers overlook potentially