I found this article to be very enlightening. I never realized the connection between the stereotype threat and the grades that students receive in school. When students are faced with the pressure to overcome a stereotype, they underperform on tests. Studies showed that African American students fared worse than white students on a challenging verbal test that measured intellectual ability and preparation. When the pressure was lifted and the test was presented in a non-evaluative manner, the black students excelled. I enjoyed the studies that showed that when the stereotype threat was diminished and that the belief that intelligence is a result of hard work was taught, students did well on exams.

I found the anecdote in the beginning of the article to be interesting. Aronson came across the stereotype of Jews as being rich by a realtor. He then told her that he and his wife are not rich and that they are Jewish. He then had a conflicting moment when paying for the restaurant bill: If he paid for the bill, he would reinforce the stereotype that Jewish people are rich. If he did not pay for the bill, he would reinforce the stereotype that Jewish people are cheap. This goes for every ethnic/racial group. I hate it when people label all Muslims as terrorists. Whenever an attack occurs, the media and other people are quick to blame Muslims for these actions. Not all Muslims are terrorists and those who are, are not even true Muslims; their radical beliefs go against the true teachings of Islam.

-Anissa Daimally