| Pitfall | Example | Better Approach | |--------|---------|------------------| | Stereotyping | “All Indians eat curry and do yoga.” | Specify region, community, or context (e.g., “Jains in Gujarat prepare a no-root-vegetable meal”). | | Caste simplification | Portraying caste only as oppression. | Explain caste’s historical occupational basis, its modern illegality, and ongoing affirmative action (reservation system). | | Religious overgeneralization | “Hindus worship cows.” | Note that cows are revered by many Hindus, but not all; beef is eaten by Christians, Muslims, and some Dalit communities. | | Poverty voyeurism | Using slums or begging children as backdrop. | Focus on agency, resilience, and positive cultural practices. | | Appropriation | Selling “Bindi” as a fashion accessory without context. | Educate on bindi’s significance (third eye, married women’s mark) while acknowledging modern casual use. |
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