describe how groups are often essentialized

As noted in this chapter discussion, we often engage in essentialism—ascribing certain qualities to different categories of people. Much like stereotyping, this practice allows us to treat these groups of people as homogeneous and ignore obvious within-group variation. In a previous CTE, you were asked to describe stereotypes associate with race. For this exercise, describe how the following groups are often essentialized: gay men, transgendered persons, and police. Additionally, describe how social media has served to further encourage essentialism and hatred toward each of these categories of people.