Question

How are racialized stereotypes about who is best fit to work in agriculture used to justify unequal farm labor?

Answer 1

A stereotype is a fixed, over-generalized belief about a particular group of people or a co- culture.
No matter how accurate or inaccurate a stereotype is, it is mostly based on some reality, some truth,
albeit just a kernel of truth or half-truth, something that actually happened. The moment we realize
that we come into contact with others, we will start seeking similarities to connect. Universally, it is
a very natural inclination that we seek to be near people with whom we share common outlooks,
habits, or languages. The more points we can connect, the more comfortable we feel and the quicker
we can establish a new relationship.
It can be somewhat unfair when certain groups of people are
criticized: “They don’t mingle! They always stick together!” There is nothing wrong with seeking ethnic
similarities since it is only natural for all of us to do so. What really matters is when we fail to find
common backgrounds, will we have the courage to overcome anxiety and move ahead, or will we
withdraw all together from interaction with the unknown.

Racism is the idea that inherent superiority of a particular race will define success and failure of a
group. While the negative feeling towards other groups is justified by diverse factors (resources,
economic setbacks, failure, ego, etc.), with racism, this negative feeling is replaced by a belief, and the
justification for this belief, based purely on genetic endowment.

Everyone has more than one
identity, based on race, gender, nationality, religion, or profession. In an ever changing world of
globalization, immigration and interracial marriages, individual identities can become lego identities
which can be both ascribed and situational. Identities depend on a specific context that a person
consciously or sub-consciously chooses. Many people of mixed background opt to behave differently,
to change their perspective and value system flexibly when communicating in various group settings.

Although we automatically categorize everyone into two camps of ingroup-outgroup, thanks to this
brain capacity, their expression can often be moderated. Self-regulation is critical for the adaptive
expression of social behavior, especially in an era of increasing diversity, international relations, global
communication and awareness of civil rights issues.
52 Our human mind is aware of this rapid change in
a social environment and is able to adapt in a way that ensures appropriate social behaviors. Over the
last century, there has been a dramatic drop in racist attitudes. A conscious desire to move beyond our
prejudices can erode racism and other forms of bigotry. Therefore, the evolutionary root of stereotypes
provides no excuse for prejudicial attitudes and racist reactions. Sure we are vulnerable to them, but we
have the ability to act upon them.

Obviously, it is not always easy to pause and gather all information to determine whether a piece of
information is fact or stereotype. However, we know that with some conscious effort, it is possible.
After all, stereotypes and prejudices are everywhere and we cannot avoid them. We cannot even escape
its immediate impact. However, we have the choice to not act upon them and even better, to regulate
our own behavior and modify our natural tendency.