Stereotypes In Recitatif

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Race comes in various forms however; it is a topic of concern because no matter if a person claims that they are anti-prejudiced, it is impossible for this world to be free from stereotyping them. A stereotype per dictionary.com is a, “set of inaccurate generalizations about a group/race that allows others, outside the group, to categorize them and treat them according to their group/race”, (SITE DICTIONARY.COM). In the story, Recitatif, readers will come across prejudice acts or stereotypes; however, people tend to realize their own stereotypes as they read or learn about someone else’s, hence making it comfortable throughout the story for themselves.
According to the character, Twyla, “we didn’t like each other all that much at first, but
The kids said she had cut her tongue out, but I think she was just born that way: mute”, (Morrison 131). She continues to speak with Roberta and both are having a discussion that Maggie does not talk regardless if anything is being said to her. So, both Twyla and Roberta shout out, “Dummy! Dummy! Bow legs! Bow legs! Bow legs”, (Morrison 132). Therefore, the girls have placed Maggie in the group where she is considered the quiet one, and they will say anything to her to confirm that she will not speak; sure enough, Maggie did not respond to a single remark towards
I have come across this issues myself. Apparently, if I eat chicken and drink Kool-Aid, preferably grape flavored, I am officially considered Black or African American. However, there’s more, If I do not wear baggy clothing, speak and act properly, and wear high-end brands such as Hollister or American Eagle, I am called an “Oreo”; meaning I am considered Black on the outside and white on the inside. This is very similar to the appearance of an Oreo. Growing up to listening to these vast stereotypes had brought me down at one point, but in this world, it is all about not letting such words and prejudice remarks keep me from acting out of character. Although I may not do what most African Americans do in this country, I am still considered African American no matter what I wear, say, or do. Therefore, after reading the story, “Recitatif”, I was surely reminded of my stereotypes and also reminded that I do not let these remarks obtain the best of

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