Stereotyping

As we were discussing different stereotypes in class, I was very offended when many of my classmates responded to the fact that the color of your skin makes you look Mexican. Judging someone just by the color of their skin is very rude especially if that person may not be of the assumed race. My Grandmother is very light skinned and we have traveled to many places where others began to speak Spanish because they thought she was Spanish just by her skin tone. It amazes me how society can be so stereotypical from the color of your skin. I work in a public place and some of my co-workers think that all Mexicans can not speak English, which is another stereotype. There are many who can't, but it's not fair to the ones who can because they are sometimes ignored due to the language barrier. It also makes me sad that many people judge others not knowing anything about them just based off their skin color. I have very dark skinned friends and people laugh and make fun of them and say things like your from Africa, in which is it not the case. Society is based on many stereotypes that are mostly not true, but until people learn others backgrounds, cultures, and believes this will continue to go on. I've heard many whites say that all black people look alike and vice versa, but if that's their opinion I think it should be kept to themselves because many get offended and its very disrespectful to speak on something you are not living.