Racial stereotyping

The Anchorage School District is unfortunately home to some rather blatant stereotyping. Case in point: Several high schools that pride themselves on their extremely diverse student bodies are widely referred to as "the ghetto schools." This term comes with an obviously negative connotation, but Alivia Feliciano, a recent graduate of East, feels privileged to have gone to school surrounded by so much diversity.

"I feel bad for the people who aren't exposed to so many different races and ethnicities. We're lucky to be exposed to this in such a short amount of time," Feliciano said.

In contrast, other high schools have such predominantly white populations that students can quickly list off the few nonwhite classmates they know. Andrew Aquino, a senior at South, has experienced this firsthand.

"Going to school where I am one of the few nonwhite students in each of my classes is a surreal yet delicate experience," Aquino said. "It's an incubator for intolerance."

TOPIC SLOW TO BE RAISED

The topic of racial stereotyping among teens seems to be pushed into the corner. Many people -- teachers, parents, and students included -- believe that such a controversial issue should not be broached. But when Service High School's diversity club recently put an offensive quote on display to spark discussion about racism, there was a huge uproar in the school district, showing that there are plenty of teachers, parents and students who have a lot to say about racism.

Speaking to peers about racism can be eye-opening. When talking with one of the most racially diverse classes at West, it took about one minute of coaxing to get students to speak openly about race -- then they couldn't stop talking.

Not many students went far enough to say that they have encountered blatant racism at school, but there was a definite consensus that hallways and classrooms are overflowing with racial stereotyping.

MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

Athina Maroudas, a senior at West, has observed a societal need to categorize people. This is especially apparent among teens.

"If you don't fit into a stereotype, something is wrong," Maroudas said. "They want to put you somewhere."

More upsetting than the need to place each person in a group is the unforgiving requirements groups have set for themselves.

Kanjarin Hiranworawuthikul, a junior at West, is disgusted with the exclusive nature of races.

"(Stereotypically,) white people wear Abercrombie and Fitch. When I wear it, Asian people say, 'Oh, you're trying to be white. You're acting like white people.' I hate it. It's not their business," Hiranworawuthikul said.

According to Jade Blattler, a senior at West, the habit of forming racial stereotypes comes from making assumptions, which leads to being prejudiced.

"People might assume grades or friendships are based on race. The main problem in high school is narrowing your circle of friends (because) they're biased," Blattler said.

A junior at West, Brightonn Golez, sees the narrow-mindedness of reflecting one's opinions of a particular person onto an entire race.

"If someone of a race does something to someone, they're going to hate that race," Golez said.

To begin the process of preventing racial stereotyping among teenagers, Feliciano believes that teachers need to be made aware of race-related conflict in schools.

"Teachers need to be educated so they can help kids. They're our mentors and who we look up to," Feliciano said.

FAMILIES, MEDIA SHAPE ATTITUDES

Of course, the Anchorage School District cannot be reasonably held to blame for the prevalence of racial tension in local schools. Racism is a long-enduring problem across the nation. Feliciano believes that the biggest source of racial stereotyping is the media; what children hear from their families and from the media affect their views until their teenage years and beyond.

Even if a student has not been personally victimized by racial stereotyping, he or she is likely to encounter a race-related issue doing something as simple as going to the store. In choosing a doll to purchase, for example, a customer will see every race represented on the shelf. Stores try to make every shopper feel included to the point that their "equal representation" feels almost artificial.

"People who are marketing to a racial balance are making a valid attempt to include everyone, even if it seems unnatural. Marketing toward everyone is what our society is based upon," Aquino said.

Unfortunately, sometimes the presence of race in consumerism can present itself negatively. When West's advanced dance class attempted to buy skin-colored leotards to wear in the spring showcase, white, Hispanic and Asian students found "nude" colored leotards easily, while black students were forced to wear black leotards. These, of course, were not close to the color of their skin.

The topics of race, racism and racial stereotyping are uncomfortable and can perhaps even be dangerous to discuss candidly, but teenagers want their thoughts heard.

Racial stereotyping is prevalent in high schools. Different students have different experiences and opinions on the subject and therefore different ways of dealing with issues related to race, but one thing is sure -- it is time to acknowledge that racial stereotyping is a source of conflict and separation in school.

Recognizing this fact is the first step, but encouraging discussion about race and between races is essential to breaking down our society's long-avoided barriers.

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Colby Bleicher is a senior at West High.

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