It is not only possible to cause social turmoil by exaggerating the stereotypes of certain ethnic groups, but there have been many historical cases that show that this practice can exacerbate social division and even lead to violent conflicts. The following analyzes the mechanism and impact of this problem from multiple levels： --- ### **1. Amplification of stereotypes and psychosocial mechanisms** -**Strengthen prejudice and hostility**: Stereotypes themselves simplify the characteristics of complex social groups, and exaggerating their negative parts will deepen misunderstandings between groups. For example, linking specific ethnic groups to crime, economic problems, etc. may cause rejection or fear in mainstream society. -**Group confrontation and identity politics**: The theory of “inner group-outer group” in social psychology points out that when people regard a certain group as a threat, they will strengthen their own group's identity and lead to confrontation. Political forces may use this to divert public attention from structural issues (such as economic inequality) by inciting ethnic conflicts. --- ### **2. Historical and practical cases** -**Rwandan Genocide (1994)**: Hutu extremists systematically exaggerated the negative stereotypes of the Tutsi (such as “cockroaches” and “traitors”) through radio, leaflets and other media, inciting hatred, which eventually led to the massacre of about 800,000 people. -**Racial contradictions and “alternative theories” in the United States**: Far-right groups spread conspiracy theories about immigrants or ethnic minorities “replacing white people”, exacerbating social divisions and triggering incidents such as the Charlottesville riots. -**The crisis of the Rohingya in Myanmar**: Buddhist nationalists conspired with the military to stigmatize the Muslims as “terrorists”, leading to large-scale violent expulsions and humanitarian disasters. --- ### **3. Facilitated by modern communication technology** -**Social media algorithms**: In order to pursue clicks, platforms tend to push extreme content. False information that exaggerates stereotypes is easier to obtain and spread, forming an “echo wall effect.” -**Political manipulation and false propaganda**: Certain regimes or political parties divert people's dissatisfaction with the government's incapacity by creating a “scapegoat” narrative (such as blaming unemployment on immigrants). --- ### **4. Trigger conditions for social turmoil** -**Structural inequality**: When stereotypes are superimposed with economic deprivation and political marginalization, the risk of conflict is higher. For example, the combination of racial stereotypes and systemic oppression under the apartheid system in South Africa. -**Weak rule of law and ineffective system**: If the government condones incitement or is unable to curb hate crimes, verbal violence may escalate into physical violence. --- ### **5. Coping and reflection** -**Laws and policies**: Improve anti-hate crime legislation, such as the EU's "Anti-Racism Action Plan", and severely punish acts that incite ethnic antagonism. -**Education and media responsibility**: Promote critical thinking education to help the public identify stereotypes; the media need to follow ethical guidelines and avoid one-sided reporting. -**Cross-group dialogue**: Breaking barriers through community building, cultural interaction, etc., such as the practice of South Africa's “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”. --- **Conclusion**: Exaggerating ethnic stereotypes is a dangerous political tool, its essence is to consolidate power or cover up social contradictions by creating “others”. Although certain political goals may be achieved in the short term, they will inevitably erode social trust in the long term and even cause humanitarian disasters. Maintaining social stability requires fundamentally solving the problem of inequality, while resisting any form of ethnic stigmatization.