Historical Perspectives on Prejudice and Stereotyping

Historical Perspectives on Prejudice and Stereotyping

By Yvette Rego

    When Europeans and Native Americans first had contact, each group knew little about the other. There were many differences between the two cultures-including clothing, language, foods, technology, 

and religious beliefs. Some of these

difference led to exchanges of knowledge

that helped both cultures. However, other

differences led to misunderstandings. 

     A misunderstanding about a group of

people can lead to prejudice and ​

stereotyping. Prejudice is an unfair

dislike of a group because of their

culture, race, or religion. Stereotyping is

unfairly thinking that all members of a group are a certain way based on their culture, race, or religion. ​

​

Multiple Choice

Differences between groups of people can lead to misunderstandings.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

An unfair dislike of a group because of their culture, race, or religion is called

• welcoming.

• stereotyping.

• adapt.

• prejudice.

Multiple Choice

What is a word that means unfairly thinking that ALL members of a group are a certain way based on their culture, race, or religion?

• Uniqueness

• Stereotyping

• Nomads

• Prejudice

​Prejudice and stereotyping can lead to

conflict. Some Europeans, for example,

viewed Native Americans as uncivilized.

They often forced Native Americans to

adopt European ways and religious

beliefs. Sometimes, Europeans also

enslaved Native Americans. Many Native

Americans resisted, often with violence.

Unfortunately, some groups of people

still face prejudice and stereotyping. In

recent times, differences between ethnic groups have led to violent conflicts in some regions and countries. However, people today are also connected in ways like never before. Business, education, and entertainment are just a few of the areas in which a global mix of different cultures can be seen.

Multiple Choice

Some Native Americans were made _______ of some Europeans.

• pets.

• slaves.

• bosses.

Multiple Choice

Prejudice and stereotyping can lead to

• conflict.

• happiness.

• Gould School.

• parties.

Multiple Choice

No one today, faces either stereotyping or prejudice.

• True

• False

  Because the world is so connected today, understanding other cultures is an important skill. Thinking about how someone from a different culture views an issue or problem can provide new knowledge. It may also lead to new solutions that reflect many different views.​

​Today, Americans represent a wide variety of cultures and cultural differences.

Poll

Why do you think it is important to try to understand people's differences and similarities? (Check all that apply)

• to avoid misunderstandings

• to learn new things

• to have an open mind

• to be kind

Multiple Choice

Understanding other cultures is an __________ skill.

• old fashioned

• ancestor

• important

• Appalachian