Assumptions

This week we read and discussed "Black Men and Public Space" by Brent Staples. He discussed his own personal experiences with the common stereotype of the violent black man. In his situation, his "victims" reacted to his presence as if Staples was a felon just because of his skin color and choice of clothes. They assumed that he was a criminal even though they knew nothing about him. Even though some of us think we would never react like this, we make assumptions everyday. We assume that the jocks aren't smart. We assume that every student of Asian descent is a genius, or that every Native American is an unambitious alcoholic. Oftentimes, we make these assumptions without even thinking. These stereotypes become so ingrained in our heads that it comes automatic to look at someones outward appearance and assume all sorts of things without knowing anything about them. Sometimes these assumptions are correct and sometimes they are false. My personal opinion is that making assumptions is a shortcut, or an excuse to not getting to know someone on a deeper level than their appearance. So next time before you automatically assume something negative about someone, try to get to know the person well enough to make the assumption.