To stereotype or judge someone before having really met them is undeniably wrong, but disgracefully, a rather common occurrence. In a world where globalization has connected the most distant peaks and most obscure valleys on Earth, in a world where people from then most diverse of races religions, skin colours and nationalities combine in cities of economic importance, one would expect quarrels and discrimination to be a rather rare thing, because if familiarity and conviviality. Unfortunately, history has thwarted that concept, and has made just the opposite the truth. History, coupled with modern technologies, such as the internet, email, cell phones, and the pager, aggravate the matter.
Prejudice’s foundations are based on false assumptions and past experiences, and are a natural part of human existence. For example, when the Europeans found the African natives dressed in banana leaves, spearing each other, they immediately underestimated them, thinking of them as inferior beings, only fit for service under the white man. This notion has somewhat changed, as one of these beings has risen to be one of the most powerful country’s president (hurrah for Obama!). Of course, once the blacks were freed, and then given the right to vote, the white man’s contempt wouldn’t simply vanish. Some events might even inflame the white man’s hatred. The issue of blacks is just one of many (a practically infinite list) in today’s world. A few other instances might include the ever-going strife between the Israelites and the Palestinians, where things won’t simmer down for years to come. Another example that represents this is the distaste the World seems to have for immigrants that come, seeking better wages and a better life. In Austria, for example, Turkish immigrants flock in by the thousands in hopes of a better life. The Austrians, having passed on their hatred for Turks since the Ottoman invasions where the Turks came dangerously close to conquering Vienna, are inflamed even more by the fact that these people are “stealing” their jobs. Naturally, they vent out their anger on the less fortunate Turks. Another situation of this type embodies itself in the peaceful country of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, known for its stable democracy and wealth (therefore nicknamed the “Switzerland of Central America), is a lucrative destination for poor Nicaraguans who have had enough of President Daniel Ortega and the Sandinista Party’s antics. They stream over the border, bribing the Costa Rican authorities, causing a bureaucratic nightmare. Because of this, Costa Ricans gradually developed a strong distaste towards the “Nicas” (a rather degrading Costa Rican term for the Nicaraguans). Eventually, they find a way to blame pretty much everything on the immigrants.
It is clear, from these many examples, that prejudice and stereotyping of specific people is no isolated case. It plagues the world, like the McDonald’s that can be found in every country of the world. Since it is in human nature to assume things, therefore, it is entirely natural, but not correct, to judge and stereotype people of a specific type. It will not desert humankind until problematic ideas, such as religion, diversity, and immorality. Concrete problems, such as poverty, must also be solved in order to annihilate prejudice and the stereotyping of people. It seems that the only way, and a rather unpopular way, to solve all these problems, is complete uniformity. How depressing.
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