The Erosion of Empathy: How Normalized Racist Stereotypes Impact the Socio-

Political Perspective of Today's Students

In the ever-changing landscape of today's society, one alarming trend projects among
students - the normalization and desensitization of racist stereotypes and jokes. This
pervasive issue, particularly prevalent among the teenage population, has far-reaching
consequences on students' socio-political thinking. Understanding the roots of this
prejudice and its impact is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and socially accepting
generation.

The ubiquity of social media, bundled with the constant exposure to diverse content, has
led to the inability to identify boundaries between humor and detrimental stereotypes.
Memes, tweets, and videos often perpetuate racial stereotypes under the guise of humor,
desensitizing students to the severity of these issues. The danger lies in the subtle
reinforcement of biased narratives, manipulating students' perceptions towards different
racial and ethnic groups.

The normalization of racist jokes contributes to an environment where discrimination is

trivialized, hindering the development of empathetic people.
Erica Lee, a psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital, underscores the profound impact
of children internalizing harmful stereotypes, emphasizing that prolonged exposure to
discrimination can detrimentally affect their identity and self-esteem over time. On the
other hand, the perpetrator’s racist internalizations can project harmful beliefs that can
persist into adulthood. Subsequently, this impact extends beyond their own social circle
as it can have a detrimental effect on students’ socio-political perception. This
normalization hampers efforts to create a just and equitable society, as students may fail
to critically evaluate the underlying issues that perpetuate racial discrimination.

Educational institutions play a vital role in molding students' perspectives, and they must
actively address the normalization of racist stereotypes. Implementing comprehensive
diversity and an inclusive curriculum, fostering open dialogues about racial issues, and
promoting critical media literacy are quintessential steps to counteract this problem.
Parents, too, play a crucial role in mitigating the normalization of racist stereotypes.
Engaging in open and accepting conversations about race, promoting cultural
understanding, and modeling inclusive behavior are vital steps in fostering an
environment that rejects discriminatory ideals.

The opposing and conformative views of people who condone such discrimination, argue
that it is simply rooted within their culture. Racism in a socio-psychological perspective,
is believed to be driven by the inherent prejudice and behaviors of individuals. As such,
individuals argue that racism is not discriminatory, yet rather a form of self-defense
against “violent” forces. However, to argue that it is embedded within their cultural
beliefs only displays their hereditary hatred and prejudice against change. As many agree
that racism is inherent, we must not condone the repetition of the cycle. Embracing
change in the fight against racism is not a threat but rather a powerful catalyst for
progress, dismantling outdated stereotypes and fostering a society that values equality,
justice, and shared humanity.

In conclusion, the normalization and desensitization of racist stereotypes and jokes hinder
the improvement of our society to be socially empathetic. The responsibility to break the
cycle rests on the shoulders of educators, parents, and society at large. Through an
inclusive curriculum, cultural awareness, and open dialogue on the issues minorities face,
we, as a society, pave the way for a future where students are equipped to challenge
discrimination and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.