Identification with two cultures often continues through many generations. Stereotyping attributes to all individuals in a group the characteristics or tendencies of some. Moreover, the stereotype usually exaggerates a group tendency and is usually negative or has a negative impact. Stereotypes are often popularly held belief perpetuatuated by the media and unchallenged in people s minds because they have not had any personal experience to counteract the stereotypes. Those who believe the stereotype are seen as exceptions.
Stereotypes serve a function, often subconscious.
If you can put a label on some one, you can feel justified in practicing certain behaviors. If you think Asian-Americans are good only in technical areas, you can restrict them to perform only in these areas. If you think women cannot gain credibility with top customers, you don t have to promote them to senior positions. If you think people with disabilities have poor attendance records, you don t have to have them. Thus, the effect of stereotyping, whether intentional or not, is to subordinate the group.