Blog 2- Alexa Ellen

After reading this article i realized that generalizations and labels are necessary for communication, understanding the world around us and grouping. However labeling and making generalizations can quickly turn into a  negative stereotype. It is human nature for people to make generalizations in our heads to help us understand the world but i think its important to understand that every person is an individual and simply because they are a certain race, or gender it doesn’t automatically clump them into your generalization you have created.  For example, I grew up in a very wealthy suburban area so when I drive through Inglewood, or Compton I have assumed this area is dangerous, and even in the day time I will feel cautious. I think my sheltered upbringing has created a skewed perspective on what lower income communities are like.This generalization does hold some truth because there is in fact gangs and crime in the area, however it becomes a negative stereotype when you begin to judge individuals based on the towns they live it. My lack of exposure to a community with more racial diversity causes me to turn my generalizations into unfair stereotypes at  times. Although Inglewood and Compton do intact have dangerous areas i still should not stereotype every individual that lives there.In addition, i can partially blame television for giving me this generalization in the first place being that our local news channels discuss only crime in these areas rather than any good stories.