Here are some of the stereotypes of the four kinds of race we have here (as seen from our passports). As a disclaimer, the next paragraph is not aimed to demean any race, including mine. :)
- Chinese - very studios and smart, kan chiong spider (why a spider?) and kiasu
- Malay - lazy, laid-back and fun-loving people, family-oriented
- Indian - smelly (curry: as the video pointed out), sporty and funny people
- Others (please specify) - it depends on which race actually...
These are from both mine and others' stereotypes of students from different races, which I compiled when I attended a Bridging Racial Stereotypes Seminar for Teachers in my previous school. (It was an eye-opening and humbling experience for me). There were a lot more, but I will not be including them here.
That said, it's nearly impossible to stop our students from having and forming stereotypes of different people on their own. It's only human, this need to define and classify things into specific categories. However, we can, as teachers, inform our students not to focus on the negative stereotypes, but the positive. Perhaps, we can do more for our students than just depending on school activities (e.g. Racial Harmony Day) to let them experience the life, culture and customs of different races.
Anyone wants to share their ideas? Or perhaps you've already done it for your students. Please share them!
Ain
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