Title: Overcoming Racial Stereotypes // University Counseling Center // University of Notre Dame
Headings: Overcoming Racial Stereotypes
Overcoming Racial Stereotypes
What Are Racial Stereotypes?
How Do We Develop Racial Stereotypes?
Are Our Racial Stereotypes Harmful?
How Do We Overcome Our Racial Stereotypes?

Content: Are Our Racial Stereotypes Harmful? Some people might say, “There’s no harm in having racial stereotypes or making racial or ethnic jokes based on stereotypes. People these days are so politically correct and should just loosen up. Anyway, there’s always a kernel of truth in every stereotype.” In some instances, all of the above might be true. However, in most cases, racial stereotypes are harmful because they ignore the full humanity and uniqueness of all people. When our perceptions of different races are distorted and stereotypical, it’s demeaning, devaluing, limiting, and hurtful to others. In some cases, people who are repeatedly labeled in negative ways will begin to develop feelings of inferiority. Sometimes, these feelings of inferiority can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies that perpetuate the stereotype. Racial stereotypes can also foster feelings of hate and aggression that might lead to a false sense of entitlement and superiority.