RJ Aiken

Karen Kumpulainen
English 111
10 March 2014
Equality for All
In 1933, there were about 9 million Jewish people in Europe, and by 1945
German soldiers and their allies slaughtered about two-thirds of that population.
Approximately eleven million people, including Gypsies, African Americans, and
disabled/mentally ill Germans, total were slaughtered (United States). It all began with a
preconceived idea. The Holocaust began with stereotypical material, which then
escalated into the largest mass killing the world will encounter. In our society there are
plenty stereotypes that are loosely used and most of them are thought of as jokes.
Stereotypes should be banned from all public views to ensure that history does not
repeat itself.
The primary issue of stereotyping is how dangerous it could potential become.
History will show you time and time again that words and preconceived ideas are more
powerful than most people give credit. Indian Mascots at Florida State University should
be not permitted to keep their mascot. It is safe to say that not all of the Seminole
Nation may fit in with the stereotype that may be pushed across. Costumes in that
nature should only be used for academic purposes only and should be accurate as
possible to avoid any future breed callousness.
Stereotypes are merely a form of oppression and keeps individual from being the
best that they can be. Stereotypes are not only affecting individuals mentally but
physically as well. African Americans are the contain the largest percentage of
individuals who are at or below poverty level in America("National Poverty Center). Also
they have the lowest test averages in our country. Almost all stereotypes in America
about African Americans are negative and demeaning. African Americans are thought
of to be thugs, poor, and incapable in fitting in with society. According to labeling theory
children who are told that they are going to be nothing, they will tend to develop
negative traits and pick up bad habit, which will then lead them into breaking the law
and being incarcerated.
Most people in America feel that stereotypes are merely a joke and that they
should not be taking seriously. Few people complain about Florida State University
calling itself the Seminoles and feel that the issue is irrelevant, but its war-painted and
lance-threatening mascot Chief Osceola is intended to be menacing, and thats the
take-away many children will have. Such casual stereotyping can breed callousness.
Those children will grow up having a inhumane picture of what indians are suppose to
be like and this image and preconceived idea will be passed down generation by
generation. Many people will grow up fearing the Native Indians instead of accepting
and appreciating the history that they hold.
As stated, in Shakley's passage, there was a poll completed by Sports Illustrated
that reported that 84% of the Native Americans polled had no problem with Indian team
names or mascots. This was later criticized on the method in obtaining these results.
Even if this stat is true their is still sixteen percent of the Native Americans that it is still
hurting. The fact of the matter is that America must maintain and sustain equality for
every individual, race, and culture. Society must ensue that the gruesome past does not
repeat itself. All stereotypes must be eliminated and should not be publicly displayed to
ensure that all cultures dignity is protected.
Works Cited
"National Poverty Center | University of Michigan." RSS. University of Michigan, n.d.
Web. 26 Apr. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "The Holocaust." National Parks Service. U.S.
Department of the Interior, 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.