Ethnic stereotyping - Essay Example

Ethnic Stereotyping Ethnic Stereotyping may refer to the general representation of an ethnic setting. It relates with characteristics of the group members. Ethnic stereotyping aids in socialization since we can assume a group possess the characteristics and abilities of an individual representing them. However, the difference between individuals may lead to wrong assumptions on the characteristics and abilities of the entire ethnic group. Assuredly, immigrants of a foreign culture seek to promote and maintain their culture as they embrace the trends of the foreign culture for better cohabitation.

The balancing of the two cultures remains a challenge to most immigrants in a foreign culture. Furthermore, they face challenges in speaking the foreign language or having an ascent that will negatively affect their clarity. In this context, I refer to the Hindu wedding program that is a foreign culture to me (McLeod Web).Watching a TV program in a language that one does not know is quite challenging since the plot and understanding of the entire program relies on assumptions and cues relating to such assumptions.

Nevertheless, with respect to Hindu wedding program, there are certain parts of the program that one can easily understand especially where actions surface instead of words. Actions like the presence of the sacred fire ceremony in the Hindu wedding program may lead to an assumption of an event with a sense of spirituality. In addition, a situation where the couple circles the sacred fire seven times leads to the assumption of a very important part in the wedding probably the solemnization of the wedding ceremony.

More so, the tying of grooms scarf with the brides dress is a cue to the assumption of the Marriage knot. Most importantly in a Hindu wedding program, an act where the groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand leads to the assumption that the groom accepts the bride as his wife under oath. As such, the cues from the actions that manifest in the wedding program can lead to correct assumption on what is going on despite the language barrier. Indeed, since one cannot understand the introduction of a program cast in a different language, I can only assume the target audience from the characters involved in the program.

Where adults and adult actions like debates or even romantic actions manifest in the program surface in the program, then I assume that this was an adult program. The same relates to children programs. Others like the Hindu wedding program are for all ages. Moreover, from the cast, one can assume the beginning and the end of a program in a different language. However, it is equally hard to make a correct assumption on what the characters are saying not unless their actions highly relate with their words.

The cues picked up on the show provide hint to what is happening and thus promotes correct assumptions. The cues might relate to their traditions, spirituality, respect for human rights, and family life. Furthermore, there is a notion that the Hindu religion embraces many traditions but puts more emphasis on personal spirituality. Moreover, it has respect for human rights. These notions promote our experience in the Hindu religion since one can identify certain traditions and spirituality to the Hindu ethnic group.

Due to lack of knowledge, many people rely on cues and experience to presume understanding on certain programs cast on unknown languages to them. Indeed, consistent viewing of such programs derives a considerable level of understanding and hence effective participation. Moreover, after picking up cues and relying on experience audience can enjoy the cast even if they rarely understand the language of the program.Works CitedMcLeod, Saul. Stereotypes. Web 18, September 2012. < http://www.simplypsychology.

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