These days, we tend to define each other by our backgrounds, where we came from. Then we are sorted into categories made up by the public eye. We are defined and divided because of never ending stereotypes.

Becoming a nation of more diverse ethnicity, it could not be more of a demeaning act. People of different heritage are more than the categories that others may think they belong in.

Stereotyping is all around us, but it is getting to be so common that it is almost unnoticeable in a way. Stereotyping is a phenomenon that is inevitable to avoid even from such a young age due to it constantly being around us.

According to ThoughtCo. stereotypes are characteristics imposed upon groups of people because of their race, nationality and sexual orientation.

Stereotyping should have no tolerance, whatsoever because it causes us to make false opinions about each other. These opinions are based on oversimplifications or imagined traits according to Ellyn Sanna in a Guide for Native American Youth Facing Persistent Prejudice.

Why do we stereotype?

We stereotype because it is often thought of as the norm, a casual thing to do.

Yet, it is derogatory to go around categorizing people. It is time to ditch this idea and stop this rash act. Being humans, we want to feel good about where we belong or where we come from, and one way we do so is to put down those who aren’t the same.

“In a democratic society, people should be judged as individuals and not as members of a group,” psychology professor Mahzarin Banaji said.

What we can do to stop this automatic reaction?

Do not buy into it. Game makers and movie studios are continuing to make unfair portrayals because it is paid and sponsored for. Latinos are not always maids and gardeners. Black male actors are too often given roles as criminals or drug deals in films like “Training Day” or “The Wire.” Remind yourself and others that these portrayals are not accurate.

Know the different context between defining a stereotype and when it is being said as humor. They can become a joke, jokes that are to describe others and can turn mean spirited. Make sure you can determine the difference between being intended for laughs and being inappropriate or rude to another.

There may never be a foreseeable end to this but there are ways to avoid the problem that still occurs around us.