Question

Identify and discuss two specific ways in which racial stereotypes justify and reinforce the unequal treatment of non-white Americans?

Answer 1

The two specific ways in which racial stereotypes justify and reinforce the unequal treatment of non-white Americans are :

1)Prejudice: Is an unfavourable opinion or feeling formed that is not based on reason or actual experience about an ethnic, racial, social, or religious group. For example, Brahmins(Whites) of ancient India think they are superior to other casts which resulted in treating lower cast people (non-whites) as slaves and untouchability existed between them. Most of the prejudices formed are always against people who are not part of their favoured category. Racism and colourism are the two stronger types of prejudice that white people used to justify the unequal treatment of non-white Americans

2)Discrimination: unequal or unfair action against a person or a group of people based upon some personal characteristic like race, age, religion, health, and other indicators. For example, in the 19th century, it was quite common that recruitment and pay scale for the job in the companies was based on skin colour and race. When white people see any news against non-white people it enhances stereotypes. And they justify the discrimination against them