Topic 13. Stereotypes

1. Common stereotypes can be defined as a variety of allegations about groups based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, profession, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, physical appearance and social class.

2. Stereotype production is based on generalization, simplification, exaggeration or distortion, presentation of cultural attributes as being 'natural', unshakable belief in stability of stereotype, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, and, of course, historical factors.

3. We develop stereotypes when we are unable or unwilling to obtain all of the information we would need to make fair judgments about people or situations. Stereotyping is such a natural human function and is so common that it occasionally functions in a useful way. For one thing, it is sometimes valuable to create classifications of individuals. The term "freshman" on college campuses brings to mind a popular image of a rather naive newcomer who is not familiar with both the social and intellectual life of a campus. Of course, many freshmen don't fit this narrow picture. Nevertheless, the stereotype of the freshman serves the purpose of encouraging professors to construct introductory courses for those with no experience in the subject matter and it also encourages campus social organizations like fraternities and sororities to sponsor group activities planned especially for campus newcomers.

Stereotypes also help us to classify and structure the complex world around us. Through stereotypes we notice, remember and store the information that is most noticeable. Though stereotypes, which evolved out of ignorance or fear often lead to unfair discrimination and persecution when the stereotype is unfavorable. They could be dangerous, offensive and even self-fulfilling prophesies. They won’t give justice to individuals and distort reality.

4. Multiple surveys and studies have shown that stereotypes can be negative or positive, even for the same group. Black men are generally supposed to be good musicians and basketball-players, but at the same time seen as aggressive and likely to take and sell drugs. The effects, of stereotypes, too, can be positive and negative. Students who were implicitly made aware of their gender behaved as the stereotype suggested: Asian-American women performed better in maths-tests when being aware of being Asian, and did worse when being reminded of being women.

5. Stereotypes are common in the world of literature and art, where they are represented by clichéd or predictable characters or situations. For example, stereotypical salesman is a fast-talking individual who cannot usually be trusted.

6. Our society often innocently creates and perpetuates stereotypes. Television, books, comic strips, and movies are all abundant sources of stereotyped characters. Moreover, stereotypes (such as gender ones) are often maintained by families and peers. And often prove to be reasonable and justified.

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