I've been stereotyped against my age. Because I am not an adult, all my opinions and thoughts do not matter, and nobody will bat an eye to what I have to say about how the world is running. I felt as though I cannot speak, and I am only allowed to spectate this world until I grow, only to say the same things again, and then people listen. I've been stereotyped against my race. Because I am white, I am racist whenever the topic of race comes up. I "owe" to groups of people, for what my race has done to them, when I myself haven't done anything wrong. I was the "weak little white boy" growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, and I was looked down upon by my Mexican 'superiors.' I felt worthless, and subhuman. I felt as though I wouldn't amount to anything of their standards. I felt hated and belittled.
I don't stereotype against people (or at least I think I don't) because I know how it feels, and it is very disrespectful and hurtful. Stereotyping has a tremendous effect on people. They are psychologically molded by what is expected of them if they don't know any better. They can be influenced in negative ways. The effect can be no different than being bullied. They have to deal with people assuming they are what they aren't, and they can question their identity.
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