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Naomi Cameron

Sociology 001

11 June 2017

Understanding Race: Witt Chapter 13

1. Racial profiling is an action that is done based off of an assumption of a race, ethnicity, etc., rather

than doing an action based off of an individual's behavior. This is most commonly done and seen

among law enforcement or government officials. However, ordinary citizens do racially profile people

as well. Police often assume Muslims are responsible for any terrorist attack after the 9/11 attack. This

is racial profiling. Since there was one major attack done by Muslims, the entire country is

automatically assuming that Muslims are responsible for any terrorist attack. Government officials have

attempted to ban any Muslims from entering the country, simply because they are Muslim. These

officials assume that terrorist attacks will stop if Muslims are no longer allowed into the country.

Citizens are often frightened or target Muslims because they believe all Muslims are terrorists. The

reality is quite the opposite. Most Muslims are completely innocent. There are robberies, murders,

rapes, and other various crimes committed against Muslims because citizens believe that all Muslims

are bad. Contact hypothesis could help reduce or remedy racial profiling. This hypothesis claims that

the interaction of interracial people with the same socioeconomic status will reduce discrimination and

racism. When people of equal status come together, they get to know the individual for who they are,

rather than who they appear to be. Therefore, people of one race will be more likely to abandon

stereotypes and racism when they grow a connection with those of another race.

4. Model minority is a group of people that go beyond the stereotypes and discrimination society has

given them and succeed economically, socially, and educationally. An example of a model minority is
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Asian Americans. These individuals have been able to exceed expectations and succeed in America's

society. The advantages to being a model minority could include higher education. Colleges want to

expand their diversity and it is likely that a model minority will be accepted to a college due to their

status as a minority. Another advantage could be an increase in income. When a higher education

becomes possible, so does a higher income. Thus, more education equals more income. Disadvantages

are still very common among these model minorities. The glass ceiling is still in effect with these

individuals. The discrimination, stereotypes, and racism are still very real. Many still face trouble with

promotions and higher job opportunities simply because of their minority status.