American culture is the mix of many different cultures: immigrants, American Indians, Africans, and their descendents. Many groups have contributed different cultural ideas that make up the strength of America. This makes diversity something every American can celebrate. However, sometimes groups celebrate their own diversity too far and create a downside to diversity. "Celebrating diversity" in this way has a danger of reinforcing stereotypes that are harmful to individuals, the groups concerned, and society as a whole.
Stereotyping has many negative effects on individuals. This can be true even when the stereotypes are positive. For example, it is believed that all Asian Americans are "whiz kids" (Primus pg. 19, ph. 6) when it comes to school and technology. Individuals are expected to work in certain caree
Stereotyping has negative effects on society. Groups feel that others, with which they have nothing in common, are different in religion, race, and culture. Conflicts and rivalries among groups affect the whole society. There is much hatred and distrust among some groups. Accommodations among groups are rejected. Distinct lines among them are blurred. Even for people who are not members of these groups, this environment causes a loss of objectivity for everyone in understanding other cultures. Their contributions to American national culture are overlooked.
Stereotyping has negative effects on the groups concerned as well as individuals. Groups force conformity of behavior by their own members, and even how their members think. Non-conforming behavior will be punished within their stereotyped group. For
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