Society has evolved in this century, but not enough in certain areas, specifically dealing with race. Around the world people still, create their own stereotypes of other races that undermine them. Stereotypes are created from one perspective, usually the “bad” and do not entail all aspects. Because of stereotypes, people fear one another not realizing that these perceptions do not represent a whole race. Yet, these ideas are passed on which is what blocks progress from happening. It seems as if a border was built that does not allow society to be open to different ideas and perceptions. The only way to destroy this border and create a change is through the future generations. The posterity is what can eventually demolish stereotypes if they are encouraged enough and appreciate racial diversity more.  

Similarly in the book, Waiting for the Barbarians, J.M. Coetzee illustrated the power and influence of an empire’s regime on the perceptions of primitive people known as the “barbarians”. In this society, the “barbarians” are treated like animals and these ideas are passed on to their posterity. For example, in a scene where the soldiers torture the prisoners in public in order to emphasize they are the enemies influences a girl witnessing the atrocity, to hit one of the prisoners, “She lifts the cane, brings it down smartly on the prisoners buttocks, drops it, and scuttles to safety to a roar of applause”( Coetzee 104). Not only are the soldiers encouraging her, but the public applauds her making her believe that these actions are appropriate. This allows future generations to believe that because actions such as these have occurred in the past, they are still acceptable today. Children usually keep ideas that they grew up with and pursue them as adults. However, if they are encouraged to be open to different ideas, then they can bring a change in society. Moreover, posterity is essential for a shift in society because they are the ones that will influence its progress.

Consequently, this piece of literature and facts of society today create the understanding that stereotypes are undermining the perception of the world. For instance, in this century there is a lot of diversity in countries such as the U.S., however, has not yet been able to appreciate it. Many races within the country are undermined because of wrong perceptions and suffer by being attacked by the stereotypes. Society holds different viewpoints of all races which do not allow it to embrace diversity. However, future generations can lead a pathway of understanding by learning more about different races and not having a bias based on stereotypes.  

 

Bibliography:

Coetzee, J. M. “Chapter 4.” Waiting for the Barbarians. N.p.: Penguin, 1982. 103-04. Print.