An issue that is seen a lot but is never actually acted upon to get rid of is stereotyping. It is an issue that isn't really paid attention to because people are unaware that they are doing it, and seem to get use to it. For example right in Port Washington and Schreiber between students. The problem is it categorizes people as a whole and not as individuals, and many of the stereotypes are negative. This problem needs to be looked upon more cautiously because it could lead to more problems or actually cause them.

As can be seen today the Hispanic population has grown and will keep getting larger throughout the years. The population might have changed but something that hasn't really changed is how people sometimes look at Hispanics all together as one group and think that we all act or believe in the same traditions. What isn't realized is how many different cultures there are and the diversity between different people all coming from being named one thing altogether, "Latino." Sometimes because of this there is a separation between different groups.

Where there are many different groups and can definitely be seen is in Schreiber. Have you ever walked into the cafeteria and noticed exactly where everybody is sitting and what those people have in common? No wonder people are classified as they are and the stereotypes are made on that whole group of people. It's because everybody assumes. You see what is considered minorities towards the back and the majority, which is white, can be seen more towards the front. Hispanics are mostly seen towards the back. All together we are viewed as generally loud, with attitude, or to the teachers sometimes as the troublemakers. When this certain group all of a sudden moves to the front there is an awkward feeling. Things don't feel in place. People are all of a sudden sitting in the "wrong spot." Besides that, you know something isn't right in the way your whole group is being seen as, when somebody asks you how your friend "keeps in shape while drinking and smoking." This isn't right. People automatically assuming things when they know nothing about you or your friends. The cause that leads to this negativity and separation is mainly stereotyping.

In Port Washington there are different sections where people live. Have you ever heard of Spanerhaven? Well that is another name for Manorhaven, which is known as being populated by many Hispanics. Imagine being a person who is always asked if they live there, because they're Hispanic, when you don`t. It's not considered racism but when many of these comments are made, sometimes it's hard to see how much people really are stereotyping the Hispanic group. Many people don't realize that they are using the different stereotypes. Some people don't purposely make certain negative comments, but they do and something can be done.

People, that's including the students and teachers at Schreiber should try more often to get to know people a little more before directly assuming something. Sometimes change is good. In this case the negative stereotypes can be looked at as more than just stereotypes, they can be seen as a certain positive reality through different personal experiences. The reality might not always be positive but that doesn't mean that it's going to be that way every time. Everybody's different and some people get along and some don't. But at least people will be more aware.