This "critical personal narrative" is aimed at deconstructing the imposed definition of Hispanic-Latino(a) identity to unveil its typecasting and stereotypes, although reconstructing it based on shared language, values, and experiences despite our pan-ethnic characteristics. Based on a deep and systematic reflection on my own experience as…

Criticizes a novel by Marilyn Harris as presenting a stereotypic and negative picture of American Indians, and a teacher's guide to the book as reinforcing the novel's distorted images. Also provides a reading list on native Americans. (GC)

The author recounts her experiences in becoming a psychologist, and the problems she faced both as a woman and as an Asian. (MC)

Argues that, in "Island of the Blue Dolphins," Scott O'Dell offers a skeleton main character (Karana). Contends that O'Dell has sketched Karana as a stereotype and that readers complete her characterization, filling out the skeleton by perpetuating the stereotypes. Points out this trading of stereotype for true character development in…

"The Education of Little Tree," authored by Asa Carter (an ex-Ku Klux Klansman), was too eagerly embraced by classroom teachers. The book was as digestible as instant pudding for youngsters reared on televised versions of Indian life. A continued diet of "feel-good" New Age pseudocultural pap will produce a generation of…

Examines the image of the Arab in children's fiction to illuminate attitudes which have prevented U.S. Jews and non-Jews from seeing Palestinians as human beings. Finds that the Arab and Jewish children are not portrayed as equals. (PRA)

We argue that many current forms of anti-racist and multicultural teaching, whilst well-intentioned, nevertheless serve to fix identities on children in ways which inhibit their agency and reinforce stereotypes. In our exploration of the issues we employ a wide range of theoretical ideas.

William Shakespeare wrote several plays which depict Jews and Blacks in a very negative, stereotypical fashion. In "The Merchant of Venice," for example, Shakespeare chooses to depict Shylock as Jews were popularly conceived in his era--as cold-hearted usurers and crucifiers of Christ. This is racist doctrine at work, as Shylock is…

"Dumb jocks" are not born, they are being systematically created. Black student athletes suffer from the outset from disadvantages: the myth of innate Black athletic superiority, the stereotype of the dumb Black, and social forces determining a vulnerability to exploitation. (MSE)

This paper discusses challenges and opportunities facing Muslims in the United States, where between 5 to 8 million Muslims live (the fastest growing religion in the country). American Muslims face many challenges, and the public has little understanding of the teachings and practice of Islam. Muslims are prone to negative stereotypes, ethnic…

Examines stereotypes of both race and language as to the bases upon which they rest in popular thinking and in classical anthropology and linguistics. Suggests a need for fresh models to accommodate a dynamic relationship between social stereotypes and ethnic and linguistic focusing. (EKN)

White ethnic Americans have not achieved status commensurate with their economic and educational achievements because of bigotry. Bias against these ethnic groups permeates all levels and places in American society. (Author/EB)

Some of the problems faced by the Rom (Gypsies) in the United States include stereotyped images, attitudes, and cultural traits that are considered quite different from those that are commonly accepted in American society. Research on this group is especially difficult to conduct. (Author/EB)

Reviews literature supporting "cultural deficit," the idea that membership in ethnic minority group is linked with academic achievement or, more specifically, failure. Examines ethnic paradigm of Asians as high achievers. Suggests researchers committed to ideas of cultural deficit support ethnicist conceptions of reform,…

Addresses the therapeutic needs of South Asian communities in Great Britain. Challenges assumptions and beliefs held by therapists and counselors, and provides some guidelines for transcultural counseling practices. (JPS)