Whites Aren't the Only Ones Who Perpetuate Negative Stereotypes

I feel as though the perpetuation of racism is transcendent. African Americans are responsible for the perpetuation of racism just as white people are, though perhaps not to the same extent. The continuation of racism is apparently systematic. I was raised in a somewhat judgmental household. My grandparents certainly prescribe to the culture of racism that was prevalent in the 50's and 60's, and my parents aren't necessarily as open-minded as those in my generation. However, I have never judged a person by the color of their skin. Skin color is not reflective of personality, intelligence, compassion or work ethic. It is ALSO not reflective of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry or hatred. I feel as though my race has been stereotyped several times in our class, and to be perfectly honest, it greatly angers me. I have worked, and continue to work hard to promote equality and peace. My entire life has been dedicated to the political arena and to education, to ensure that the types of prejudices that once plagued our society as never as rampant as they once were. Having said that, when I hear people characterize white people as inherently bigoted, it demeans everything that I have ever worked toward and is personally insulting. There are many out there who fit the stereotype of the judgmental, hateful, and bigoted white person, but I am not one of them. Furthermore, I don't believe anyone else in our class is either. To make generalizations about an entire race of people because historically they've had it better is no different than making generalizations about an entire race of people because they've had it historically worse. A negative stereotype is a negative stereotype. If you don't appreciate being stereotyped negatively, don't do it. It's that simple.