THE INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 1
Introduction to Sociology
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INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 2
Introduction to Sociology
Stereotypes are distorted generalizations about groups of individuals based on sex
orientation, gender, race, and ethnicity. They are mainly positive, although sometimes they are
negative. In either situation, a stereotype is a simplification that does not take personal
dissimilarities into account. Notably, the latter leads to prejudice and discrimination in various
ways. For instance, some stereotypes are informed generalizations regarding a specific group,
which leads someone to hold beliefs, attitudes, or thoughts towards them. Therefore, they
influence people’s opinions of a particular group through social judgments.
Occasionally, stereotypes lead to racism, which is a type of prejudice utilized to justify
the belief that a particular racial group is somehow inferior or superior to others (Cherry &
Morin, 2019). Due to this fact, it comprises a set of acts utilized by an ethnic majority to demerit
an ethnic minority. For instance, the “Ku Klux Klan” is a racist group, where its affiliates uphold
white sovereignty, which has triggered hate speech and crimes over a century. Conversely,
stereotypes lead to institutional racism, which is a form of prejudice entrenched in the society.
For instance, the uneven number of dark lads arrested and accused of crimes may indicate racial
profiling.
The latter also leads to colorism, another form of prejudice, where one believes a specific
skin tone is inferior or superior to another depending on the tribal group. For instance, “darker-
skinned African Americans” experience more discernment compared to lighter-skinned ones
(Lumen Learning, n.d.). As a result, a white employer may believe that a black worker with a
“darker skin tone” is less valuable compared to another black worker with a “lighter skin tone.”