ointed out, there is a tendency among people to assume that certain characteristics are the dominant influence over human development; this introduces the question of how stereotypes about gender, socioeconomic status, education, religion and race or ethnicity shape identity and public responses to individuals.
I have noted that I am Africa-American. For many, this would suggest certain things about me. It might suggest, for example, that I am attracted to hip hop music, that I am an affirmative action employee or college student, that I am hostile toward some White Americans, and that I see myself as a victim of institutionalized or more subtle forms of racism. It might also suggest that I have certain preferences in food and that the "African" part of my background is more significant than the "American" part.
Some of these assumptions are correct, and others are absurd. I like classical music more than any other form, and I love the rock and roll of groups like Springsteen and the Stones. I am offended by many of the lyrics that are commonly used by
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