The term racial group refers to those separated into categories which are .
determined by physical differences such as skin color. African Americans, .
Hispanics, Caucasians, and Asian Americans are all primary examples of .
racial groups. Some of these groups are in the majority, mainly meaning the .
whites, while others are in the definite minority in the United States, such .
as African Americans. Statistics show drastic differences concerning .
population percentage between these particular groups. For example, in .
terms of percentage of total population, in 1990, whites made up 80.3% of .
the population, while African Americans made up only a mere 12.1%.(Shaefer, .
222) This very significant difference leads to discrimination of those in .
the minority.
Another classification which is subject to much discrimination, due .
partially preformed stereotypical ideas, are ethnic groups. Individuals are .
separated into these groups based on national heritage and background, as .
well as cultural practices.(Schaefer, 221-23) Stereotypes, although also .
seen in reference to racial groups, are a main part of the reason for .
discrimination among different ethnic groups. These generalizations do not .
allow for the recognition of individual differences within the group. An .
example of an ethnic stereotype would be how one believes all Jews are spend .
thrifts or cheap. This prejudged opinion could lead one to discriminate .
against this class of people accordingly. Although stereotypes contribute .
largely to discrimination, it all goes back to the idea of inequality .
between the majority and the minority.
A prominent example of this devastating inequality is shown in the Henslin .
reading, "Savage Inequalities", which compares but mostly points out severe .
contrast between two schools. With an average salary of under $7,500 a .
year, high majority of residents on welfare, and a population 98% black, .
this community of East St.
