I argue that stereotypes stem from colonial anthropology. stereotypes were used because societies who were studied by anthropologists were seen as primitive so it was assumed that all members of the society were the same as there was no complexity. The definition stereotype is stereotypes refers to a widely held and oversimplified idea or belief about a particular group of people. The definition of colonial anthropology emerged during the colonial era, characterized by the European exploration, colonization, and encounters with diverse societies across the globe.

The assumption that societies studied by anthropologists were "primitive" or less developed often led to oversimplified and homogenized representations of these societies. This oversimplification contributed to the creation of stereotypes, as anthropologists tended to generalize the characteristics of entire populations based on limited observations and biased perspectives. I have had many uncomfortable situations where people were stereotypical towards me as an Indian person, many people have said to me, “ Oh you must love spicy food. “ or “ Do you eat curry every day?” These kind of comments make me very uncomfortable in the same colonial anthologists portrayed their non-European studied subjects seem inferior.

In this essay I have discussed what stereotypes and colonial anthropology. I have backed up my essay with my own experiences to give real life examples.

references list:

Said,E.W. 1978. Orientalism 9-57

Miner,H. 1956. Body of Ritual among the Nacriema 503-507