problems for both teachers and students because everybody is trying to apply one single explanation to all circumstances and situations that occur. Cultural phenomena cannot be explained by such simple explanations and this leads to confusion and conflict, most especially for that person who is culturally diverse.
With respect to the foregoing, Sigelman and Rider (2008) note that the way in which human beings create stability and meaning is by classifying the objects they perceive. In this regard, an infant thinks concretely and discretely, not necessarily perceiving things or people as related to one another. However, as the infant matures, the thinking becomes more abstract and the categories more fluid unless the child has been taught to thinking in that rigid manner typical of stereotypic thinking or has been him- or herself the object of stereotypic thinking.
For example, Tynes (2007) has discussed the impact of racism on psychological development. Specifically, Tynes reports that if a person belongs to a racial group and is exposed to negative stereotypes about the group, the individual can experience some internalization of this thinking, thereby developing feelings of low self-worth, depression, and feelings of futility.
As for the stereotypic thinker, he or she will just sort those who do not act in accord with stereotypes as 'exceptions' and not let go of the cognitive stereotype. In other words, a certain rigidity has come to be characteristic of the person's t
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