American culture is the mix of many different cultures: immigrants, American Indians, Africans, and their descendents. Many groups have contributed different cultural ideas that make up the strength of America. This makes diversity something every American can celebrate. However, sometimes groups celebrate their own diversity too far and create a downside to diversity. "Celebrating diversity" in this way has a danger of reinforcing stereotypes that are harmful to individuals, the groups concerned, and society as a whole.
             Stereotyping has many negative effects on individuals. This can be true even when the stereotypes are positive. For example, it is believed that all Asian Americans are "whiz kids" (Primus pg. 19, ph. 6) when it comes to school and technology. Individuals are expected to work in certain career choices that reinforce "positive" stereotypes. Thus, this job expectation is narrowing opportunities that could be chosen. For those who do not match the positive stereotype there is disappointment. That which is not part of the positive stereotype tends to become a negative stereotype. For example, "many students who believe that all Asian Americans are good with computers also think that we [Asian Americans] are limited to that field" (Primus pg. 20, ph. 8). There is a lack of consideration of individual characteristics that do not fit their stereotype. Prejudice is a big factor on negativity among individuals.
             Stereotyping has negative effects on the groups concerned as well as individuals. Groups force conformity of behavior by their own members, and even how their members think. Non-conforming behavior will be punished within their stereotyped group. For example, some minority "groups ostracize some members for being 'too white'" (Primus pg. 21, ph. 15). A member "who has and abundance of white friends or who voted for the wrong politica...