Combating Misconceptions

As a class we have addressed many issues of diversity in adolescent literature and more specifically the authentic and accurate portrayals of underrepresented groups, but in the same manner we have also discussed the fact that no two people are alike and that no one person can represent an entire group. With this in mind, why do we as a society place so much emphasis on placing stereotypes on groups? I guess what I am trying to get at is that because of the stereotypes that exist today about certain underrepresented groups, many people within these groups find themselves trying to push against these misconceptions by “assimilating” into the mainstream cultural norms. I often hear people discussing why certain people of minorities, including myself, refuse to act like their race, but instead act “white.” What does it mean to act like a color? How does one do that? I certainly understand what is meant by this comment, but I don’t understand where these thoughts and misconceptions come from? How do you combat a way of thought that just is? How are we to pinpoint origins of misconceptions that have become so ingrained in today’s society to the point that even people within these underrepresented groups have taken on these misconceptions?

Furthermore, I think that we need to acknowledge seriously why someone might feel uncomfortable sharing parts of who they are to the world. As a society are we so judgmental that people would live their entire lives hiding who they truly are to avoid judgment? Are we so insensitive that we disregard their feelings?