Stereotyped Communication: The Ascribed Identities of Nigerians Living in the U.S.

ABSTRACT This study examined how Nigerians in the U.S. negotiate their identities considering the stereotypes ascribed to them during interactions and strategies for attenuating stereotypes. Interviews with 20 Nigerians revealed that Nigerians were stereotyped positively (i.e., as hardworking, and passionate for education) and negatively (i.e., as fraudsters, kidnappers, and underdeveloped). Also, Nigerians attenuated stereotypes ascribed not only to Nigerians but to Blacks through nationalism, self-awareness, and hard work. Findings challenge beliefs that stereotyping occurs due to the lack of contact with outgroup members. Indeed, stereotyping occurs because of some form of history rather than an absence of history with outgroup members.