How America Hinders the Cultural Identity of Their Own Citizens Essay Example
The objective of this research is to examine how stereotyping influences the development of cultural identity, particularly in the United States. Past evidence demonstrates that stereotypes not only impact entire groups and communities within the nation but also impede Americans' comprehension of diverse cultures, resulting in a lack of cultural competence. Keywords: Lorem, ipsum, dolor Stereotypes are deeply rooted and widely accepted beliefs about individuals, groups, or objects.
The prevalence of stereotypes in society is concerning, especially as future generations continue to believe these ideas that originate from the mind. This issue also impacts the diverse and ever-evolving Aboriginal population in the United States. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, America experienced significant changes such as increased immigration, corporate growth, industrialization, women's integration, urbanization, and a rise in ethnic and minority workforces. Consequently, cultural and racial st
...ereotypes became pervasive within American culture.
Stereotypes have a significant impact on the intercultural competence of American culture and other nations. This includes powerful forces such as anti-Semitism and racism that can influence politics. Immigrants belonging to minority races, like Jewish Americans who arrived in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, were particularly susceptible to stereotypes. These stereotypes often result in cognitive biases that distort moral judgments. One way this happens is by treating individuals from the stereotyped group as if they were all the same, creating a sense of moral distance and disregarding the diversity within the group. Although many social and historical stereotypes are negative and involve unfavorable characteristics, it is essential to consider their implications.
Stereotypes are widely acknowledged cultural entities accepted by individuals in a particular society, even if they don't personally hold the stereotype
Thus, stereotypes can be seen as cultural stereotypes. In the American context, stereotyping has taken two forms: positive and negative. Positive stereotypes include the perception of American generosity. This is rooted in the country's reputation for being charitable and providing assistance to developing or underdeveloped nations. De Tocqueville observed this generosity as early as 1835.
According to a report from the charity aid foundation, Americans rank fifth in terms of voluntary donations (Crary, 2010). Additionally, Americans are known for their optimism (?The American-Western European Values Gap), which contributes to their success. Furthermore, Americans are recognized for their strong work ethic in any endeavor they pursue. However, negative stereotypes about Americans include being overweight, consuming excessive fast food, being excessively greedy, and valuing money above all else. They also tend to judge everything based on its economic value and perceive individuals with lower socioeconomic status as worthless (Confronting stereotypes of culture). Moreover, Americans are sometimes criticized for a lack of cultural awareness.
The American people have a reputation for not respecting cultures other than their own, especially in the field of education. This may be because they have a limited understanding and lack intelligence when it comes to different cultures, lifestyles, and places (Liz, 2008). Americans are often seen as racist because they discriminate against minorities based on even small differences. Throughout American history, there has been significant discrimination and segregation against black and minority races. Additionally, there is a stereotype that Americans are unaware of environmental issues. They tend to disregard efforts to preserve the environment, which leads to excessive consumption and contributes to pollution and climate change.
Following China, the United States ranks as the second highest
emitter of carbon dioxide. Americans are often perceived as arrogant and nationalistic, frequently showcasing obnoxious patriotism through behaviors such as arrogance, insults, dismissiveness, and egomania. These predefined notions tend to persist when it comes to stereotypes we assign to each other. As a result, our cultural identity is shaped by the expectations and labels imposed on us by external sources. Consequently, negative stereotypes can occasionally apply to an entire group or community.
According to Lustwig (95), stereotypes have an impact on the formation of cultural identity, especially during the phase of cultural identity exploration. This phase is marked by a lack of knowledge about cultural distinctions and one's own cultural heritage, commonly seen in young children.
Our first encounter with our own culture frequently originates from external sources such as movies, TV shows, and media. These sources, in conjunction with the viewpoints of friends and adults, typically depict cultures in a simplified and unfavorable manner, especially in America. Consequently, these portrayals become deeply rooted in our minds from an early age and shape our perception of our identity and cultural heritage.
The reconnection with ancestral roots provides Americans with a genuine comprehension of their own cultural heritage. American culture has a assimilative and influential effect on the various cultures within the nation. Although we acknowledge and welcome elements of other cultures like Mexican food, Italian cuisine, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, regrettably, we often neglect the profound heritage that underlies these customs. It is unfortunate that minority cultures are frequently underestimated and do not receive equivalent recognition compared to non-minority cultures.
As Americans grow up in the diverse cultural landscape of our country, many choose to ignore their own
cultural identity. Despite all being Americans, we each have different cultures, which affects how we interact with one another. This often leads us to form groups with people who are similar to us, limiting our interactions with those who are different. As a result, we struggle to develop an understanding and appreciation for other cultures. Additionally, stereotypes play a significant role in shaping how well we can navigate intercultural situations within the United States.
Understanding the meaning of intercultural competence is crucial for discussing its effect on the United States. Intercultural competence refers to the ability to function, think, and communicate effectively across cultures (Leung et al., 2014). It is influenced by values, experiences, and beliefs, and plays a vital role in today's globalized world.
Stereotyping has a negative impact on Americans' intercultural competence. Factors such as arrogance, racism, and cultural ignorance hinder their ability to accommodate colleagues from minority racial backgrounds. The lack of motivation to engage with people who are different leads to negative experiences when interacting with individuals from other cultures. Americans struggle to understand cultural differences and fail to acquire new cultural information that could challenge their existing beliefs. Consequently, they exhibit hostile behavior towards individuals of different races.
According to Klafehn and Chiu (2013), individuals with closed mindsets take longer to bridge cultural differences and work together. Conversely, those who are open-minded and motivated tend to actively seek and utilize information that helps them adapt to various environments.
To enhance their intercultural competence, Americans should be sensitive to cultural differences, adapt to different cultural environments, and recognize how culture influences behavior and thoughts (Chao, 2011).
Cultural metacognition plays a crucial role in improving intercultural competence
by promoting awareness of the distribution of cultural knowledge. It involves two main components: understanding how knowledge is distributed within cultures as well as across cultures, and utilizing accurate cultural knowledge as a higher mental process.
Promoting a more creative, proactive, and reflexive approach to cultural knowledge can minimize the negative impacts of the United States stereotype on its intercultural competence. By encouraging individuals to adopt this mindset, we can reduce the detrimental effects of stereotypes on Americans.
