ETHNIC STEREOTYPES OF YOUTH

ABSTRACT

This article reveals the topic of youth's exposure to ethnic stereotypes. These stereotypes can significantly influence the perception of young people of representatives of other nationalities and interethnic relations in general. Young people, as the most mobile and active part of society, most easily come into contact with representatives of various ethnic groups. Being more open and dynamic makes it easier for young people to change their views and accept new things. Therefore, understanding how ethnic stereotypes affect the perception of other cultures and nationalities by young people is an important aspect.

Keywords: ethnic stereotypes, youth, nationality, interethnic relations, prejudices Introduction.

Modern intercultural relations face many challenges due to various factors. One of these factors is national stereotypes, which are an integral part of interethnic and interethnic interactions. They have a significant impact on the perception of representatives of other cultures and nationalities. In the context of active intercultural communication, interethnic relations become especially important. It is especially important to consider this issue from the perspective of young people, as they will become the future generation responsible for international and interethnic relations. Ethnic stereotypes are generalized and simplified representations of people based on their national, cultural, or ethnic background. They can be both positive and negative, having an impact on various spheres of life.

Young people are not fully formed personalities, subject to outside influence. They are raised in a rapidly changing world, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of stereotypes. Therefore, it is important to understand to what extent they are subject to stereotypes.

National stereotypes are understood as relatively stable opinions of a generalized nature about a particular ethnic group. These are prejudices that apply to all members of a particular nationality, regardless of their individual qualities. Stereotypes can be divided into autostereotypes and heterostereotypes, that is, stereotypes associated with one's own nationality and with the nationality of other people. They can be both positive and negative. Most often, the perception of other nationalities and interethnic relations are influenced by negative heterostereotypes.

A stereotype is a phenomenon generated by society and transmitted within it. Youth is the group that is currently adopting the experience of previous generations. Therefore, the question naturally arises about the importance of ethnic stereotypes in their lives.

The main part

This article presents the results of the study "Ethnic stereotypes of youth" conducted using Google Forms*(По требованию Роскомнадзора информируем, что иностранное лицо, владеющее информационными ресурсами Google является нарушителем законодательства Российской Федерации – прим. ред.) in December 2024 among the youth of the Belgorod region aged 16 to 25 years. This study revealed the degree of influence of ethnic stereotypes on the perception of other nationalities and cultures by young people, as well as the level of national tension and tolerance.

To the first question: "Do you consider nationality when choosing friends?" The overwhelming majority of respondents, namely 90%, replied that it does not matter. However, 10% of the respondents consider this factor important. This indicates that there are still some national prejudices in society, and not all people are free from such prejudices.

40% of the respondents noted that they experience distrust and negative feelings most often towards Eastern nationalities. They are also associated with the most common stereotype that representatives of the Caucasian peoples are short-tempered and aggressive.

The respondents independently identified many ethnic stereotypes. This indicates that young people are sufficiently aware of stereotypes about nationalities that can influence their perception of other nationalities, and hence interethnic relations. The most frequently mentioned stereotypes were Russians, Americans, Chinese, Koreans, Gypsies, and Jews.

Nevertheless, the majority of young people, namely 80%, do not consider themselves subject to stereotypes. 40% believe that national stereotypes are unacceptable and must be combated. 50% treat them neutrally, while 10% believe that most stereotypes are true.

Conclusion

From all of the above, it can be concluded that ethnic stereotypes are definitely present in the lives of young people, but they do not have a significant impact. Most young people do not consider the national attribute to be particularly important when evaluating a person. More than half believe that stereotypes must be combated. However, not everyone is free from their effects. A small part of the respondents are still subject to national prejudices and believe that many of them are true. But still, ethnic stereotypes do not have a significant impact on the lives of young people, as modern society is becoming more diverse and multicultural. Young people today are open to new acquaintances and experiences, they strive to understand and respect the differences between people. They understand that every person is unique and cannot be reduced to a stereotype.

References:

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2. Shcherbakova E.V. Ethnic stereotypes among students // Discussion. 2016. No. 11 (74). URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/etnicheskie-stereotipy-v-srede-uchascheysya-molodezhi (date of request: 12/27/2022).