In other words, we have a tendency to define particular groups with certain characteristics – at the expense of recognizing internal diversity within the group.
Think about the group or population that your APPLES organization is serving. Do you think that mainstream society defines this group in a way that is simplistic or homogenous? Is this a negative or positive stereotype? Have your recent encounters with members of this group changed the way that you define or “see” that group? How so?
I'm also working with the Human Rights Center, and although I have not had a chance to volunteer this semester yet, I have also worked at the center several times in the past year.
This "tendency to define particular groups with certain characteristics" is better known as a stereotype. I'm pretty sure all stereotypes, no matter how complimentary they may seem, are negative because they are usually gross generalizations about a particular group.
I definitely think that the Hispanic community is generalized in a simplistic or homogenous group. They are often looked at as cheap, easy labor that can be manipulated and/or exploited through the language barrier and the demand within the Hispanic community for work. As Michael Burns mentioned, these people are like anyone else: trying to support their family (and in some cases just survive). However, based on common misconceptions and/or bigotry, these people are looked at as simpletons who can be taken advantage of. But thanks to the Human Rights Center, we're all hopeful that these social misconceptions will change for the better. From my experience, these people are inherently no different than anyone else, they are just trying to live a good life and provide for their families.
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