Stereotypes In Outliers

Stereotypes are formed by categorizing certain features about an individual, and afterward using those categorized to make assumptions about the specific individual based on these categories. It is important however for one to question the assumptions at an individual level. The rationale behind a stereotype are often untrue, because they are broad generalizations. However in the case of the Asian population, the stereotype relating to Asian’s and their aptitude to be very good at math, and have the ability to put in long hours to reach success appears to be true. This in part is due to the cultural heritage, and it application to a large population of Asian society.

Gladwell’s book, Outliers, points out a couple of reasons why the characteristics

of Asian students on average allow for a higher performance level than other countries. Persistence, hard work, and a very different language, which specifically helps with mathematical equations contributes highly to their success. While all these features contribute to success, persistence however, supports the cause of success most easily.
Persistence is demonstrated through the ongoing work, on a continual day to day existence. Demonstrated tenacity thus allows these students to translate a cultural legacy into a benefit, because they are more willing to put in the time and diligence to achieve.
Subsequently, persistence allows rice farmers to be able to perform long hard hours of work. Some estimates put the annual workload of a wet-rice farmer in Asia at three thousand hours a year. (p. 235) work hours. Additionally the work is harder, as it tends to be more tedious, and done by hand. Without having a persistent nature, it would be unlikely, one would be capable of working long hard hours needed to grow a crop. This philosophy then carries over to a correlation of success on a multitude of tasks, because they have the stamina to complete the work to attain the desired achievement.
Through the use of their cultural heritage, Asian students are more likely to be capable of succeeding. Persistence leads them to stay with a given task, and supports the hard work required to reach success.