When we are describing a person, using an adjective can suggest an attribute of that person (e.g., Ben is Asian). However, using a noun to describe an individual implies a social group and membership of that group (e.g., Ben is an Asian). The latter is likely to:

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Using a noun to describe an individual (e.g., "Ben is an Asian") rather than an adjective (e.g., "Ben is Asian") emphasizes group membership and can more readily invoke stereotypic inferences associated with that group. This is because it categorizes the person more explicitly as a member of a social group, which can lead to generalizations or stereotypes associated with that group being applied to the individual.

When We Are Describing a Person, Using an Adjective Can