The most base and crude form of stereotyping is that based on the color of skin. This prejudice formed from man's in fear of that which is different. The first time a white person saw a black person, they immediately formed the assumption that simply because that man's skin color differed from his own, that man is different and therefore evil. This opinion came to be before any other signs of the black culture and lifestyle were seen. We now understand pigmentation of the skin to be genetical, not a flaw, just a superficial difference that bears no meaning whatsoever to a person's mental, physical, and other abilities. To categorize a person on the tone of their flesh is futile, for it says nothing of who they r

Other uncontrollable features of some black people have become symbols we use to represent all blacks, whether the carry any truth or not. Blacks are considered by almost all to naturally have "kinky", extremely curly and short black hair. The fact that many have straight hair, and that it varies in color, is overlooked in order to generalize the black population. As stated by Paul Lindsey, such an assertion "could not be a criterion for all blacks looking alike" (106). This type of judging all by the appearance of some had an opposite effect, also. Before whites began to let their hair grow naturally, they all straightened it to keep up with the current fashion. Once they allowed their natural hair to grow, many blacks were surprised at the amount of curl and wave whites had.

Racism, in any form, is a terrible reality we all face and have to deal with. Through its integration into our culture and our thoughts, we all contribute to prejudicial ideas and actions. Every basic generalization made about any group that has no factual basis is as wrong as making bigoted statements and using racial epithets. The knowledge of one's race cannot be used to determine anything else about that person, it has no relevance as to their appearance, lifestyle, or actions. Until we can overcome these imbedded stereotypes, we are all contributors to the growing hate in the world.

Dancing prowess and musical talent are thought to be inherent in blacks. One's "rhythm" is also a personal trait, unaffected by factors other than genes. The ability of a person, black, white, or otherwise, is based solely upon their inherited traits and the amount of practice. Along the same lines is the belief that jazz and soul

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Approximate Word count = 1157
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)