A stereotype is an oversimplified generalization but the widely fixed idea of a person, group, or thing in a particular setting. By stereotyping our inference, we conclude that an individual has a range of abilities and characteristics similar to all group members. The primary dimensions that I have learned are the aspects that one cannot change or alter in any way; that is, they are fixed. The direct dimensions of diversity in stereotypes include gender, age, race, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and ethnicity.
Gender refers to general characteristics relating to masculinity and femininity. Many people and communities have different stereotypes about gender in other parts of the world. For example, there are stereotypes about color in many societies where boys like the green and blue colors. At the same time, girls are related to selecting the red and pink colors. The stereotype behind color is that boys are born and grow to know that green and blue are men’s favorite colors while pink and red are for girls. Furthermore, the members of the society have made it known that boys should not wear dresses because they are for ladies and are primarily of pink and red color while the girls should not wear any stuff for boys. Secondly, at an early age, the parents buy dolls for girls while the boys are bought trucks signifying that girls are the ones who should babysit while the boys are to drive trucks and cars. In the youthful stage, the boys are analytical and good at mathematics and other calculations, while girls are good at reading (Yang et al., 2020). Girls are required to be well mannered while boys in society are vied as free from being judged. The community believes that men are leaders and women are nurturers. Women who do not get children are deemed to be doing wrong, and also women are stereotyped as being too emotional while pregnant; hence they are believed to be incapable of completing some tasks.
Age stereotype refers to beliefs relating to particular phase population. This is another dimension that receives a significant share of stereotypes. The generalization can either manifest as positive or negative. In Western belief about age, most ideas about old age are damaging. For example, Westerners believe that they continue to be young as people continue to age. Their thinking capacity changes to a backward move, where they start thinking like kids. For instance, research was carried out by an American psychiatric pub and ascertained that about 61% of people aged 65-74 feel younger than their age (Baker & Florack, 2021). People between the ages of 18 to 40 are viewed as dynamic, creative, and productive, while individuals above 55 are very unproductive and are very forgetful (Baker & Florack, 2021). In the African culture, they believe that as people get old, they become wiser and generative hence can guide the people well. Another accepted stereotype about age is that, as you age, your health deteriorates and reduces tolerance and mobility. In terms of sexual orientation, the younger people are generalized to be more sexually active than the older people because as you age, the libido reduces.
Race refers to distinctive characteristics that relates to particular group of people. Racial stereotype is very dominant in the United States of America. The African Americans are fixed to be dumb and unintelligent. This generalization is because they do not contribute to the international front or make any technological innovation (Yang et al., 2020). African-Americans are viewed as thieves and lazy because they think they can use theft to be wealthy, and they do not want to work hard in any way. They are also viewed as criminals and violent in their work. This stereotype affects their job opportunities, socio-economic activities, and other harmful treatments in the United States.
On the other hand, the Americans are viewed as drunkards and always want violence because they started the slave trade, and also, they are also seen as clad hooligans. The French are stereotyped as arrogant, cowardly, and erotomaniac because they think their identity is superior, while the Germans are disciplined, diligent, and Uber-efficient. Physical abilities are another very critical dimension entitled to stereotyping (Yang et al., 2020). People with weak complexities are believed not to work challenging tasks like those who are masculine. This kind of stereotype divides people according to their physical appearance. Ethnicity is the last aspect of stereotyping, explaining that people of a particular ethnicity have a specific character. For example, most African communities believe in witchcraft and sorcerers, which are not common in the American culture.
Educational background, income, marital status, geographical location, religious belief, and working experience are the three secondary dimensions that impact my daily life professionally and personally. Educational background, income, and work experience are the key professional dimensions in my life. Education has impacted a lot in my nursing profession and made a big difference. Education has enabled me to know the various authenticated treatment and procedures in the hospital. Professionally education helps to bring out the best result in the practice of my nursing career (Yang et al., 2020). Secondly, working experience is another distinctive aspect of my professional life because whatever I produce depends on my experience in my career. For example, the nursing procedures such as fitting a nasogastric tube to patients who cannot feed by mouth need some experience to work.
Additionally, my efficiency of working is increased by working under practical experience. Lastly, working experience helps my profession to be able to be promoted to other managerial positions. Income standards are the best motivating aspect of my professional work. With high income, there will be increased patient outcomes and delivery of effective service within my area of profession. Payment-related stresses are significantly reduced as they pave the way for better delivery of health care service as a nurse. My living standards are increased with the change of the income levels group, which is essential for my working career. Geographical location is another dimension that influences my personal life because a suitable living environment helps me reach the working place conveniently. Religious belief mends my morals and values, making me straight in terms of character (Moya Morales & Moya Garófano 2021). Lastly, my marital status, my love life, has an important influence on my daily life. This dimension holds because being in a relationship, and I get someone who supports me mentally and physically to face my daily duties.
The two marginalized and underrepresented groups include the Hispanic-American and the African American ethnic groups. In the United States, Hispanic-Americans are a marginalized and underrated ethnic group because of the poor living standards brought by the high poverty levels within its people. Another reason for being marginalized is because they receive a poor quality education, which and the unfair rule of law that does not favor them in any way (Baker & Florack, 2021). I can advocate for them by advising the government to give better direction that does not undermine some citizens. In addition, improving education for the group and increasing the employment opportunities for the members of the ethnic group to improve their living standards in the US.
Like the Hispanic ethnic group, the African Americans ethnic group is underrated because of the poverty levels that make them have a poor living standard hence being marginalized. They are stereotyped as uneducated and lazy; therefore, they are highly underrated and marginalized in the United States (Moya Morales & Moya Garófano 2021). The African-Americans are also considered alcoholic and very violent to other groups, making them more marginalized and underestimated. However, I champion for the government of the United States to increase the employment opportunities for African Americans, create rulings that are favorable for their living in the states. They should also receive good education to ensure that they learn the importance of working hard and the harms of taking a lot of alcohol.
References
Baker, A., & Florack, A. (2021). Uncovering Men’s Stereotype Content (Warmth and Competence) Associated with a Representative Range of Male Body Size Categories. Body Image, 37, 148-161. Web.
Moya Morales, M. C., & Moya Garófano, A. (2021). Evolution of gender stereotypes in Spain: from 1985 to 2018. Psicothema. Web.
Yang, Y., White, K. R., Fan, X., Xu, Q., & Chen, Q. W. (2020). Differences in Explicit Stereotype Activation among Social Groups Based on the Stereotype Content Model: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence in Chinese Sample. Brain Sciences, 10(12), 1001. Web.