How do we Stop these Stereotypes?

Stereotypes have existed for centuries. Even today, in a progressive society where people are connected to the entire world through things such as the TV and internet, stereotypes still exist. Now, how can one define stereotypes? According to the author of the book “Stereotypes and Stereotyping”, Charles Stangor, stereotypes are considered to be the “pictures in the head” of certain individuals looking out into their social worlds. But how are we going to get these “pictures” out of people’s heads and make Americans realize what is really going on in other countries and what their inhabitants are REALLY like? It is one thing for Americans to not know much about a country that is not even in the same continent but Canada!? Come on, not only are the two in the same continent, but they share a border! What is the solution to this problem you ask? How will Americans learn to stop stereotyping? Well let me tell you…

There will always be stereotypes in the world. But there is something that the Americans can work on to eliminate the problem. That is to EDUCATE the people in America about other countries around the world especially Canada (a country that is right above them!). I recieved a comment in one of my previous posts from a classmate that is from Nepal. He says that even he knows more about Canada than Americans do. That shouldn't happen! Americans should know more about Canada than anyone else in the world since they are the closest country to it! How are they going to educate the Americans? Well they should at least start teaching them at a young age during school a little bit more about the different cultures that exist in the world. One thing that most Americans lack is also the knowledge of geography. Many people in America don't know where any country is located in the world. Some wouldn't even be able to recognize what continent a country is in! That is a problem. A big one infact. The solution I am proposing of educating the people in America about other countries in the world could be very beneficial and will definitely address the problem of Americans stereotyping and not knowing where countries are geographically located. This solution will address the problem because when the Americans learn about the other countries' cultures and geography, they will stop stereotyping because they will then be educated about the people that live in those countries and know that the stereotypes are not actually true. For example, they will learn that Canadians don't actually live in igloos but real houses like the ones that are found in the USA. What exactly has to be taught to the Americans? Well, geography of course. I know that the class is taken in Middle School, but should also be a required course in High School as well. Why is it realistic? Well, it is done in Canada. 

Geography is a course that is required to take for at least one year in High School, and the students actually know where the countries are and what continent they fall in. If the Canadian schools can do it, so can the Americans! Culture should also be taught in High School.  There should be a course where cultures of different countries are to be taught, including the Canadian culture. I know the class exists already in many schools, but only as an elective. It should be a required course before graduation. That way, the students will know more about the different cultures and they will stop the stereotyping once they learn what the people are really like. They can learn more about the country that is right above them, Canada! They will know more about how they live up there and that they do not ride polar bears and it does not snow all year round! This solution is very possible because it is not something that the Americans have to create from the beginning, the classes already exist. The only thing is that it should be a required course just like history or English instead of an elective course. Once Americans learn more about the different cultures, not only will it stop stereotyping but could also bring them closer to other countries in many ways such as the business world. Each country has their own business etiquette which is also part of their culture. But that is a different story that I will not get into. So the point that I am trying to make is that, if we educate the Americans at school about different countries, they will stop stereotyping! They will soon realize that all what they have been saying about countries such as Canada is not true! Canadians deserve respect and stereotyping them does not show respect!