No nation on this planet has ever been subjected to the ethnic stereotype, but the American Indians have been subjected to suffering from it, and they may even be suffering more than other people. Stereotypes and myths can harm both the victims and the people who perpetuate them in society.
The victims suffer from emotional distress, insecurity, anger, frustration, and also a feeling of hopelessness in them. Many American Indian children, who are exposed to the mainstream of the stereotype at an early age, always have low self-esteem, which leads to other problems that the American Indians are facing. Stereotype leads to discrimination when it’s assumed that he/ she is prone to violence, and also alcoholism limits job vacancies. These make them viewed as unstable economically, hence making it difficult for them to succeed and enjoy benefits like non-Indians, e.g., obtaining credits, etc.
Dispelling the myths and stereotypes in society has a greater benefit to the community and specific individuals. Some of the benefits include the following: It is essential to strengthen collaboration in working relationships with the indigenous community. Dispelling of the myth also reflects on how privileges and stereotypes impact relationships and work. Lastly, dispelling stereotypes and myths will help in instilling anti-oppressive, decolonizing methods and ideologies in our lives and workplaces.
In life, there are many stereotypes, and I was once a victim. I was climbing a mango tree in our compound when I slipped and fell off. I lost consciousness, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself in the hospital, my legs wholly bandaged. Everyone deserted me apart from my mother, who sat there weeping all through since the doctor told her that there were high chances I would be a cripple. I was lonely and had no one to talk to apart from my mother. From that moment, I realized that stereotypes and myths are a greater societal challenge.
